National Cancer Institute of Kenya appoints Dr. Elias Melly as CEO

KENYA—The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-Kenya) has appointed Dr Elias Melly as its Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 May 2026, marking a significant leadership transition for the state corporation responsible for coordinating the country’s response to cancer prevention and control.

The appointment follows a competitive and rigorous recruitment process conducted by the Institute’s Board of Trustees, which described Dr. Melly as a highly experienced oncology specialist with an established record in clinical cancer care, research, policy development, and health systems leadership.

In announcing the appointment, the Board noted that Dr. Melly brings extensive expertise in transforming cancer care delivery across the full continuum, from prevention and early diagnosis to treatment, survivorship, and palliative care.

His experience in building strategic partnerships and mobilising resources is expected to strengthen Kenya’s national cancer response at a time when the country continues to scale oncology services under the Universal Health Coverage agenda.

The appointment comes just days after NCI-K participated in strategic Ministry of Health discussions focused on advancing technology-driven cancer care and expanding treatment access through partnerships with international institutions and cancer centres, reinforcing the Institute’s growing role in shaping national oncology policy.

Extensive academic and clinical credentials

Dr. Melly holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Moi University; a Master of Medicine in Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine from Alexandria University; a Master of Public Health from Moi University; and a Master of Business Administration from Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

Before his appointment, he served as Senior Medical Specialist and Head of the Haemato-Oncology Directorate at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

He also held academic and research roles as Adjunct Faculty at Moi University School of Medicine and as a cancer researcher with the AMPATH Oncology Institute.

His international exposure includes training and collaborative engagements with leading cancer centres in the United States, including Indiana University, Stanford University, University of California San Diego, and University of Minnesota.

Driving Kenya’s cancer agenda

Dr. Melly currently serves as Kenya’s cancer country counterpart lead for the International Atomic Energy Agency and is affiliated with several global oncology bodies, including the Union for International Cancer Control and the Association of American Cancer Institutes.

He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and remains an active member of multiple professional oncology societies.

His appointment comes as NCI-K intensifies efforts to strengthen Kenya’s National Childhood Cancer Registry, improve cancer data systems, and advocate for expanded oncology funding.

Recent budget discussions revealed the Institute is seeking KES 4.1 billion (US$31.7 million) for the 2026/27 financial year to support nationwide cancer prevention, screening, and treatment coordination programmes.

The Board of Trustees has formally congratulated Dr Melly and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Institute as it advances equitable access to quality cancer care across Kenya.