Dr. Elias Melly Appointed as CEO of National Cancer Institute of Kenya
By Samson Kurgat | NAIROBI,
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya has officially appointed Dr. Elias Melly as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2026. The announcement, made by the Chairman and Board of Trustees on May 8, follows a rigorous and competitive recruitment process aimed at securing a substantive leader for the institution. Dr. Melly is a highly seasoned medical professional with extensive expertise in clinical cancer care, research, health policy, and public health administration.
Prior to this appointment, Dr. Melly served as a Senior Medical Specialist and Head of the Haemato-Oncology Directorate at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. His academic background is extensive, holding a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Moi University, a Master of Medicine in Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine from Alexandria University in Egypt, and additional Master’s degrees in Public Health and Business Administration.
His career is further distinguished by global collaborations with prominent U.S. cancer centers, including Stanford and Indiana Universities.
As a registered clinical oncologist and a member of numerous international medical societies, Dr. Melly brings a proven track record of transforming cancer care systems and building impactful partnerships.
He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and holds leadership roles with organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Union for International Cancer Control. His appointment is expected to bolster the Institute’s efforts in strategic leadership and resource mobilization for cancer care across the region.
