Profile

Prof Nicholas Anthony Othieno-Abinya is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Nairobi Hospital Cancer Centre. He was formerly Professor of Medicine at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, where he was  the  director of Medical Oncology Fellowship Program and  also the head of Haematology/Oncology at the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi. In 2009 and 2010 he was head of  oncology at AgaKhan University Hospital, Nairobi.

He holds a Masters degree in Internal Medicine from the University of Nairobi. He completed fellowship in Medical Oncology at the Royal London Hospital (University of London) in 1992, and is  a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

His research interests are in malignant haematology  and breast cancer, in which he has published widely in peer-reviewed journals. He also has keen interest in molecular oncology. He has also authored a text book titled Drug Treatment of Haematologic Neoplasms. He has also co-authored cancer booklets, and has  written chapters in several  books. His latest book titled ‘Shadow in Perpetuity’ by Lambert Publishers was released in December 2019.

Prof Abinya is a member of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and served in its International Affairs Committee from 2010-2012; Africa Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), having been Vice Chair for Eastern Africa and was a long time member of Council; and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). He founded Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO), of which he was the first Chair, and is still its Patron. His outstanding academic achievements were  profiled in the University of Nairobi magazine,’ Varsity Focus’ of September 2017.

He has received several  awards and honours, including  Kenya Breast Health Programme Award in appreciation of contribution to success of the Breast Cancer Survivors’ Conference on 11-14 July 2003; Kenya Breast Health Programme Award in recognition for outstanding contribution to the care of women with breast cancer in Kenya; Best Oral  Presentation by Established Scientist Award, 2ND KASH Conference, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi;  2018 Harvard Global Health Catalyst: Distinguished African Ambassador Award.

He is married with four grown-up children, and grandchildren.