Prof. Lukoye Atwoli’s Biography: A Life in Mental Health and Public Service

Prof. Lukoye Atwoli, a renowned psychiatrist, academic, and global health leader, has spent more than two decades shaping mental health policy and practice in Kenya, Africa, and beyond.

With a career marked by intellectual rigour, public advocacy, and institutional leadership, Prof. Atwoli stands as one of the most influential voices in psychiatry on the continent.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Kenya, Prof. Atwoli’s early academic brilliance earned him a place in medical school at Moi University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB). His passion for mental health led him to specialise in psychiatry, earning a Master’s degree in the field. He later attained a PhD in psychiatry, cementing his academic foundation for a lifetime of work in medical education and research.

Academic and Medical Career

Prof. Atwoli’s professional journey has seen him wear many hats: clinician, researcher, teacher, and administrator. He is the Dean of the Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa, where he oversees training and research across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Previously, he served as the Dean of the Moi University School of Medicine and was instrumental in modernising its curriculum to reflect contemporary global health priorities.

A prolific researcher, Prof. Atwoli has published extensively in the areas of trauma, depression, suicide prevention, and public mental health. His work has appeared in leading international journals, and he has been a principal investigator in large global studies such as the WHO World Mental Health Surveys and the Harvard-led Global Burden of Disease collaboration.

Global Health and Leadership Roles

Beyond academia, Prof. Atwoli plays a key role in shaping mental health policy globally. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) and sits on various mental health advisory committees, including those linked to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Lancet Commissions.

In 2021, he became the first Kenyan to be appointed Editor-in-Chief of the East African Medical Journal, one of the oldest and most respected scientific publications in the region.

Advocacy and Public Engagement

Known for his sharp intellect and fearless commentary, Prof. Atwoli is also a sought-after public intellectual. He is a regular contributor to newspapers and broadcast media, using his platform to speak on issues of mental health, youth wellbeing, education, governance, and national development.

He has consistently advocated for better funding of mental health services, integration of mental health into primary healthcare, and the destigmatisation of psychiatric conditions in Africa.

Awards and Recognition

Prof. Atwoli’s contributions have been recognised nationally and internationally. He has received numerous awards for leadership in psychiatry, medical education, and public health. He is also a mentor to many upcoming African mental health professionals, whom he encourages to combine clinical excellence with policy engagement.

Personal Life

Prof. Lukoye Atwoli is married and a father. Despite his demanding career, he remains deeply rooted in community service and is known for his humility, clarity of thought, and commitment to the future of African healthcare.

A Lasting Legacy

As Africa grapples with the rising burden of mental illness, Prof. Lukoye Atwoli continues to be a guiding light—building systems, challenging stigma, and shaping policies that will benefit generations to come. His biography is still being written, but his impact is already profound.