Editor's Review

Dr. Wenwa Akinyi Odinga has been appointed to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) board.

ODM Leader Raila Odinga's sister Winwa Akinyi Odinga has been appointed to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) board.

In a gazette notice released on May 21, 2021, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced her appointment, where she will serve for a period of three years.

CS Kagwe also appointed Prof Timothy Mwololo, Dr. George Njoroge and Marstella Bahati Kahindi to the KEMRI board.

File image of ODM Leader Raila Odinga and Dr. Wenwa Akinyi Odinga. |Photo| Courtesy|

Dr. Wenwa walks into her new role with a vast wealth of experience having previously served at various high ranking state jobs.

The former Prime Minister's sister is said to be the first woman in Kenya to acquire a doctorate degree in chemistry, as revealed in a 2015 interview with Daily Nation.

She has also served as a senior assistant secretary for the Commission for University Education and as chief chemist at the Pyrethrum Board of Kenya.

For 13 years, Dr. Wenwa served as a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi.

KEMRI has undergone leadership changes in 2021, starting with the replacement of Prof Kombe as Directr General. He had served at the board for 30 years and the last three as DG.

Prof. Sam Kariuki was appointed as the Acting DG at KEMRI in March 2021.