By Ivyn Kipruto
The Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KEMRI-Wellcome) has appointed Professor Edwine Barasa as its new Executive Director, following a rigorous, competitive recruitment process conducted by the Programme’s partners: the University of Oxford, KEMRI, and Wellcome.
Professor Barasa becomes the first African to hold the position in the Programme’s 35-year history a milestone that underscores KEMRI-Wellcome’s growing commitment to nurturing African scientific leadership.
“The partners unanimously agreed that under Professor Barasa’s leadership, the Programme is well-positioned to thrive and make lasting contributions to global health and well-being,” the partners said in a joint statement.
They lauded his exceptional performance as Interim Executive Director, citing his vision, strategic direction, and steady guidance. The external selection panel also strongly endorsed his appointment, describing his plans for the Programme as “ambitious and transformative.”
In his acceptance remarks, Professor Barasa expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and pledged to expand the Programme’s scientific and policy impact.
“My commitment is to build a Programme that delivers outstanding science, shapes policy and practice, develops the next generation of African research leaders, and provides solutions to some of the most pressing health challenges of our time,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining KEMRI-Wellcome’s culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence.
A Professor of Health Economics at the University of Oxford, Prof. Barasa began his career at KEMRI-Wellcome as a research officer. Over the years, he has emerged as one of Africa’s leading health economists, with research focusing on health financing, equity, efficiency, and system strengthening across the continent.
He holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Health Economics from the University of Cape Town and a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Nairobi.
Beyond academia, Prof. Barasa has been instrumental in shaping health policy in Kenya and across Africa. He has advised the Ministry of Health on several key initiatives, including the COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment Taskforce, the NHIF Reform Committee, and the Kenya Health Benefits Advisory Panel.
Regionally, he serves as Chair of the Africa CDC Health Economics Programme Advisory Board and the Africa Universal Health Coverage Commission. He also provides technical expertise on health financing to global partners such as the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO), contributing to major health financing reforms across Sub-Saharan Africa.
