ChairPerson
With a background in Medical Research, Pharmacovigilance, and patient support in her career life, Ms.Faith Okwisa Okwayo comes on board with a rich experience and desire to alleviate the painful afterdiagnosis process for patients. Her over One Decade experience in High level Medical Research and clinical trials sets her as our Vision Bearer and guide on the organizations progress. Faith is also a holder of a Bachelors Degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Nairobi and she majored in Operations Research.
Vice Chairperson
Odhiambo Brian Otieno is a seasoned communication and public health advocate with extensive experience in strategic healthcare communication, stakeholder engagement, and chronic disease advocacy. Having previously served as the Board Director in charge of Communication at the Chronic Disease Society of Africa (CDSA), he now steps into the role of Vice Chairperson, bringing a wealth of expertise in leadership, policy advocacy, and organizational growth. Leadership & Role at CDSA As Vice Chairperson, Odhiambo Brian Otieno is dedicated to advancing CDSA’s mission of enhancing chronic disease awareness, patient engagement, and policy influence across Africa. His key areas of focus include: Strategic Organizational Growth – Strengthening CDSA’s programs to expand its impact on chronic disease management and research. Advocacy & Policy Engagement – Leading high-level engagements with governments, healthcare institutions, and international organizations to push for stronger chronic disease policies. Public Awareness & Community Engagement – Driving initiatives that ensure early detection, patient education, and long-term care strategies are accessible across diverse communities. Research & Innovation Support – Collaborating with the Board’s Research & Innovation team to integrate cutting-edge healthcare solutions into CDSA’s framework.
Board Member in Charge of Research
Dr. Nicola Okech is a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist based in Nairobi, Kenya, with over 15 years of medical experience. She specializes in diabetes and endocrinology, with a particular interest in obesity and weight management. Dr. Okech practices at Uzwena Health, where she focuses on managing diabetes and other endocrine disorders. She has also been associated with the Lions Diabetes Care Centre at MP Shah Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Okech actively participates in medical education and mentorship programs.
Board Member in charge of Research
Dr. Dickens Onyango (Epidemiologist) is a dedicated Board Member in charge of leading and overseeing the research activities within the team. He is responsible for setting the research agenda, guiding the team in conducting significant research projects and ensuring the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of epidemiology. Dr.Onyango, MB, ChB, is also the county director of health for Kisumu, Kenya, and a medical epidemiologist. He is a co-investigator for SMART-DAPPER. He completed his Master of Science in Epidemiology in 2013 from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Nairobi in 2005. He is a co-director of the Kenya Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) site, conducting surveillance on definitive causes of death among children aged less than 5 years employing minimally invasive autopsy. He has also been involved in other collaborative research studies including mortuary surveillance of HIV-associated mortality in Kisumu and evaluation of partner notification services among adults with recent and chronic HIV Infections in Western Kenya.