Kevin Ombati is the only cardiothoracic radiologist in Kenya. As just 38, he carries the heavy weight of a health system short of specialists, but is determined to change that. Because every radiology image he reads could be the difference between life and death in the fight against rising cases of cardiovascular and lung disease.
As an intern at Chogoria Hospital, he witnessed the consequences of inadequate diagnostic expertise. He chose radiology and is now the Programme Director of the Aga Khan University Radiology Residency, Assistant Professor, and president of the Kenya Association of Radiologists.
A Starehe Boys Centre alumnus, he scored an A, joined the University of Nairobi’s medical school, and advanced his specialisation at the University of Alberta in Canada.
Despite the many global opportunities, he returned home, driven not by comfort but by conviction.
"Deficiency is no excuse for mediocrity"
His leadership is rooted in the belief that education is the great equaliser. His own trajectory affirms it. And now, he is working to expand opportunities for others by increasing both the number and quality of radiologists trained in Kenya.
“Deficiency is no excuse for mediocrity,” he says.
In an era of technological acceleration, Kevin is one of the region’s most trusted voices on ethical and effective integration of AI in medicine. He champions partnerships that fuse Kenya’s tech-savvy youth with clinical expertise to develop homegrown diagnostic tools, which solutions he believes the country should be exporting, not importing.
Humility and service set him apart. He mentors residents, leads regional workshops, and advocates for proper licensing to protect patients from unqualified teleradiology providers.
Understanding that the work must outlive him, he is determined not to remain the region’s only cardiothoracic radiologist for long.
— Lynet Igadwah