Kenya (Jomo Kenyatta University Of Agric. & Technology) Prof. Opondo Elected Dean School of Medicine

Everisto Opondo an Associate Professor at the College of Health Sciences, JKUAT is the new Dean, School of Medicine. He will be at the helm of the school’s leadership for the next two years after the faculty unanimously supported his candidature. The official announcement was made by acting Registrar Academic Affairs, Dr. Aggrey Wanyama on Thursday, November 24, 2022.

Prof. Opondo who has served the School of Medicine, for the last 15 years, is one of the pioneers of the Department of Surgery (formerly the Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases – ITROMID). He served as the Chairperson from 2015 to 2020 and was instrumental in its curriculum development.

In his inaugural remarks as Dean, Prof. Opondo thanked his colleagues for their confidence in his leadership and for finding time despite their intense clinic schedules, to witness the momentous occasion, an opportunity he described as challenging but prepared for. He pledged to collaborate with the faculty in enhancing the channels of communication in order to retain the spirit of teamwork and cohesion at the school.

Prof. Opondo has invested in beneficial international networks through membership with several bodies which include the International Society of the Knee (ISK), the European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy. Locally, he is a member of the Kenya Medical Association, Kenya Orthopedic association, and East African Arthroscopy Association where he has served as the Secretary-General.

Prof. Opondo is a distinguished fellow of The College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) the largest professional body that fosters postgraduate education in surgery and provides surgical training throughout the Sub-Saharan Africa region. He holds a PhD in Public Health (JKUAT) and two degrees from the University of Nairobi – Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery; and a Master of Medicine in Surgery.

During the declaration of results, the Returning Officer, Dr. Aggrey Wanyama, congratulated Prof. Opondo on his new role stating that the Opondo’s numerous endorsements were a testament to the faculty’s confidence in his abilities to steer the school. He assured the dean of the Academic Affairs Division’s support as he begins his tenure.

Present to show their support were the chairpersons from various departments at the School of Medicine namely Dr. Joseph Kweri (Human Anatomy), Dr. Mwangi Matheri (Rehabilitative Sciences) and Dr. Janai Ondieki (Surgery). They welcomed the new dean describing him as accessible and adaptable, qualities that informed the faculty’s decision to support him.