President William Ruto has appointed Dr. Wenwa Akinyi Orange Odinga, the sister of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as the chairperson of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI) Board.
The appointment was announced in a Gazette Notice issued on Friday, November 15, 2024.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 (1) (a) of the State Corporations Act, as read together with Section 16 (2) and the Fourth Schedule of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Act, 2013.
I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Forces, appoint Dr Wenwa Akinyi Oranga to be the Chairperson of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute,” the gazette notice read.
Dr. Oranga will serve in the role for three years, effective from November 15, 2024.
She takes over the position at a time when the institute is spearheading initiatives to boost marine and fisheries research in the country, aligning with the government’s agenda of promoting the blue economy.
KEMFRI plays a critical role in managing Kenya’s aquatic resources, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and advancing scientific research to support the country’s economic growth.
With Dr. Oranga at the helm, expectations are high for enhanced collaboration and development in the sector.
Mary Ajuma, the late Jaramogi’s first wife and Raila’s mother, is the mother of Oranga.
After her brothers, Oburu Oginga and the former prime minister, she is the third child in her immediate family.
In a 2015 interview with Nation, Wenwa claimed to be the first female Kenyan doctorate holder in chemistry.
She also serves as a trustee for Pan Africa Petroleum Limited and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation.
She has previously been hired for a high-paying position. She was nominated by Governor Gladys Wanga in 2023 to serve on the Homa Bay County Assembly’s Public Service and Revenue Board.
After being appointed as a member of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) board by then-Health CS Mutahi Kagwe, she also secured a position in the administration of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2021.
