Kenyan pathologist Dr Ahmed Kalebi has been inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame of The Pathologist, becoming the only African and the only representative from a low- or middle-income country among 15 figures recognised for their contributions to pathology and laboratory medicine.
The recognition places Kalebi alongside distinguished professionals, including the late Professor Christopher D.M. Fletcher of Harvard Medical School and the late Professor Richard Scolyer of the University of Sydney and Melanoma Institute Australia.
Kalebi’s induction follows six appearances on The Pathologist Power List in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025 and 2026.
His latest appearance recognised his work in advancing diagnostic technology in Kenya and promoting its responsible adoption in settings with limited resources.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame alongside such illustrious and accomplished colleagues, including giants of our profession such as the late Professors Christopher Fletcher and Richard Scolyer,” Kalebi said.
He said being the only inductee from Africa and a low- or middle-income country made the recognition particularly meaningful, adding that it also highlighted the talent and potential of professionals in pathology and laboratory medicine across the continent.
The induction comes days after Dr Kalebi Labs (DKL), the specialised diagnostic laboratory he founded in Nairobi, marked its second anniversary on October 16.
Established in October 2024, DKL uses a digital-first model and offers services supported by technologies including laboratory automation, digital pathology, molecular diagnostics, flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing and artificial intelligence-enabled systems.
Kalebi said he established the laboratory to demonstrate that advanced diagnostic technologies could be developed and deployed in Africa to improve diagnostic quality, efficiency and patient care.
He credited colleagues who have supported his career, particularly the DKL team, saying the recognition reflected their collective work.
“Today, our remarkable team at DKL continues to demonstrate that world-class, cutting-edge laboratory medicine can be developed and delivered right here in Kenya. This recognition belongs to them as much as it does to me,” he said.
With more than two decades of experience in diagnostic pathology, medical education, professional leadership and laboratory innovation, Kalebi has also advocated greater recognition of pathology as a foundation of effective healthcare.
He said the honour should draw attention to African scientific talent and the need to strengthen diagnostic services and professional capacity across the continent.
“Africa has exceptional talent in pathology, science and laboratory medicine. We must create more opportunities for that expertise to be recognised and celebrated internationally, while continuing to build the diagnostic capabilities, institutions and professional capacity that our healthcare systems urgently need at home,” he said.
