Kenyan doctor Hudson Alakonya added another feather to his cap when he attained the Doctor of Philosophy in Oncology on Tuesday, May 23.

He became the first Kenyan to attain that level of academic achievement earning praise from many Kenyans. 

“I am elated and grateful to pass my Ph.D. Presenting to Kenya the first Doctor of Philosophy in Oncology from the University of Oxford.

“This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without unwavering generosity and guidance from many people. I owe them immeasurable gratitude," he stated.

Before heading to UK to pursue a PhD, Alakonya had obtained a Master's in Science (MSc) in Cancer and a Bachelor's in Technology (B. Tech) in Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology from the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) in Kenya.

“My sincere tributes go to my supervisor Prof. Bart Cornelissen and the Cornelissen Lab members for supporting and nurturing me with utmost kindness during my time at the University of Oxford,” he added. 

In 2018, the scholar co-founded a non-profit organisation called the Integrated Cancer Research Foundation (ICRF) of Kenya which deals in oncology research.

The organisation aims to use evidence-based research to prevent cancerous tumors from being life-threatening.

He thanked his family and members of ICRF for supporting him in his academic journey.

Rhodes Trust 

Alakonya also thanked the Rhodes Trust for providing him with the Rhodes scholarship which supported his postgraduate academic achievement.

“I am sincerely indebted to the Rhodes Trust for awarding me the Rhodes scholarship that has helped me to achieve my academic and professional ambitions, connected me to the world & transformed my socioeconomic life,” he noted.

The Rhodes Scholarship prides itself in being the oldest international scholarship programme first awarded in 1902. It offers 103 scholarships every year.

In 2022, the Rhodes Trust partnered with the Schmidt Future to create the Rise Challenge which offered a Ksh121 billion prize for the winners of the competition. Schmidt Future was founded by technology mogul and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, alongside his wife, Wendy Schmidt.

Applicants aged between 15 and 17 years applied for the competition targeted to support the winners with money to finance their ventures.

In September 2022, eight Kenyan students were feted among 100 winners selected from the 80,000 that applied for the competition.

The winners included Edith Chemutai, James Nyaga Ngatia, Marietta Halima Kazungu, Natasha Njoki Ndai, Wema Wambugo Marandu, Belinta Simiyu, Annette Odhiambo and Lesein Mutunkei.By Steven Thuku, Kenyans.co.ke