Dr. Wenwa Akinyi Oranga Odinga

Newly appointed Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Board Chair Dr Wenwa Akinyi Oranga on her maiden visit to #KMFRI headquarters in #Mombasa following her appointment by His Excellency President Dr William Ruto, which took effect on 15th November, 2024.  She was warmly received by Ag Director General Dr James Mwaluma flanked by Directors, before proceeding on a courtesy visit at the DG's office.  Dr Oranga, an experienced professional with a strong background in organic chemistry research, was then taken on a familiarization tour of the Institute by the Ag DG, who was accompanied by KMFRI senior managers.  

 

Dr Oranga appreciated KMFRI’s robust aquatic research activities in providing solutions to societal problems, following an insightful presentation delivered by the Ag DG and her tour of the Institute’s state-of-the-art labs. She called for increased uptake and implementation of new ideas learnt during exchange programmes with other countries, acknowledging KMFRI’s technological advancements. The highly seasoned Board Chair also planted a commemorative tree.

 

Dr Oranga has previously held critical roles which include working as a Chief Chemist at the Pyrethrum Board of Kenya, and a lecturer at the University of Nairobi. Dr. Oranga became the first Kenyan woman to earn a PhD in chemistry, specifically in Organic/Natural Products Chemistry, from the University of Nairobi. She also served as Consul General at the Kenya Consulate in Los Angeles, California.