A respected health economist and long-standing member of KWTRP, Professor Barasa has served as Director of the Nairobi Programme and Head of the Health Economics Research Unit (HERU). His appointment marks a significant moment for the Programme and for research leadership across Kenya and throughout Africa.
In his new role, Professor Barasa will provide strategic leadership to KWTRP’s multidisciplinary research efforts, which span biosciences, clinical research, epidemiology and demography, and health systems and policy. He will work closely with colleagues across the Programme’s sites in Kilifi, Nairobi and beyond, as well as with national institutions, regional networks and international collaborators.
Professor Basara said: ‘I am excited about the journey ahead and thank the partners for their trust in me to steward the Programme. My commitment is to strengthen our impact as we continue 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.’
Professor Barasa brings to the role over 15 years of experience in health systems research and policy engagement. He holds a PhD in Health Economics from the University of Cape Town and a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Nairobi. His work has informed national health reforms in Kenya, and he continues to advise governments and regional bodies across sub-Saharan Africa.
Professor Richard Cornall, Head of the Nuffield Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford, said: ‘Edwine brings exceptional scientific rigour, policy insight, and an unwavering commitment to world-class basic and clinical research aimed at improving human health globally. His appointment further strengthens the long-standing collaboration between KWTRP, KEMRI, NDM Oxford, and Wellcome.’
KWTRP was established through a partnership between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the Nuffield Department of Medicine University of Oxford, and Wellcome, and has grown into one of Africa’s leading health research programmes. With over 800 staff, it operates across multiple sites in Kenya, delivering research that informs health policy and improves health outcomes both locally and globally.