The National Cancer Institute of Kenya has appointed Dr Elias Melly as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2026, following what the institution described as a “competitive and rigorous recruitment process” conducted by the board.

In a statement issued by the institute’s Board of Trustees, chairman Dr Timothy Olweny said the appointment marks a new chapter for the agency as it seeks to strengthen cancer care in the country.

Dr Melly is described as a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in clinical cancer care, training, cancer research, health policy and public health administration.

“The appointment culminates after a competitive and rigorous recruitment process undertaken by the board recently,” the statement said.

According to the board, Dr Melly has held various leadership positions during his career and brings experience in strategic leadership at local, regional and global levels.

The institute said he has “a proven track record of transforming cancer care across the entire continuum of care and in policy development and implementation.”

It added that he is skilled in building partnerships, collaborations and mobilising resources towards cancer care initiatives.

Dr Melly holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from Moi University, a Master of Medicine in Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine from Alexandria University in Egypt, a Master of Public Health from Moi University and a Master of Business Administration from the 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 worked as Adjunct Faculty at Moi University School of Medicine and was involved in cancer research with the AMPATH Oncology Institute.

The board further highlighted his international exposure, saying he has trained and collaborated with several National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centres in the United States, including Indiana University, Stanford University, the University of California San Diego and the University of Minnesota.

Dr Melly also serves as Cancer Country Counterpart Lead for the International Atomic Energy Agency.

He is a member of the Union for International Cancer Control, the Global Oncology Working Group under the Association of American Cancer Institute and the Africa Oncology Cancer Network.

The statement noted that he has published in several peer-reviewed journals and is registered with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council as a medical practitioner and clinical oncologist.

He is also affiliated with several professional bodies, including the Kenya Medical Association, Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology, Clinical Radiation Oncology Society of Kenya, African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, American Society of Clinical Oncology, European Society of Medical Oncology and the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology.

“The Board of Trustees congratulates Dr Elias Melly on his appointment and extends best wishes as he leads the Institute in advancing cancer care in Kenya,” Dr Olweny said.