Renowned oncologist Dr. Catherine Naliaka Nyongesa Watta has been named Medic Person of the Year after emerging victorious in a closely watched national contest, cementing her place as one of Kenya’s most influential medical professionals.
The Texas Cancer Centre co-founder and Chief Executive Officer trounced three other contenders after garnering 7,341 votes out of a total 12,610 votes cast, reflecting overwhelming public confidence in her work and lifelong commitment to the fight against cancer.
Those who voted in her favour cited her relentless efforts in advancing cancer treatment, improving access to quality oncology services, and championing early diagnosis across the country. A significant number of voters were former patients and families who have passed through Texas Cancer Centre, praising the facility for its modern equipment, patient-centred care, and standards comparable to top international cancer centres.
Dr. Nyongesa is widely celebrated as Kenya’s first female radiation and clinical oncologist, a historic achievement that broke gender barriers in one of the country’s most demanding medical specialties. Her journey into oncology was deeply personal, inspired by the loss of her younger sister to cancer , an experience that exposed the gaps in cancer care and shaped her mission to change the narrative for Kenyan patients.
She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Medicine in Radiation Oncology from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. She is also a Fellow of the College of Radiation Oncologists of South Africa and a member of international oncology bodies, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Founded in 2010, Texas Cancer Centre has grown under her leadership from a small outpatient clinic into one of Kenya’s leading private cancer treatment institutions, offering chemotherapy, radiotherapy, diagnostics, palliative care, nutrition services, and patient rehabilitation. The centre has played a key role in easing congestion at public hospitals and improving survival outcomes.
Beyond private practice, Dr. Nyongesa serves as a consultant radiation oncologist at Kenyatta National Hospital and an honorary lecturer at the University of Nairobi, where she mentors upcoming doctors and specialists. She has also served in leadership roles within professional bodies, including as Chairperson of the Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO), influencing policy, training, and standards of cancer care nationwide.
Her recognition as Medic Person of the Year comes at a time when cancer remains one of Kenya’s leading causes of death, making her contribution both timely and nationally significant.
Dr. Nyongesa is now set to be featured in an exclusive end-year edition of Voice Magazine, where her journey, impact, and vision for the future of cancer care in Kenya will take centre stage — a fitting tribute to a trailblazer whose work continues to save lives and inspire a generation.