13/07/2025
Dr. Francis Matete
MBChB, MRCPsych, FRCPsych
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Francis Matete is a distinguished Consultant Psychiatrist with over four decades of experience in general adult psychiatry and consultation-liaison psychiatry. He has a special interest in alcohol and substance use disorders, as well as neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
Over his 42-year career, Dr. Matete has established a reputation for excellence, leadership, and service in both clinical psychiatry and mental health policy at national and international levels.
His academic and professional journey began at Nakuru High School in 1970, followed by medical training at the University of Nairobi, where he earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in 1976. He then undertook specialist psychiatric training at the renowned Institute of Psychiatry in London (1979–1983), culminating in membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych).
Dr. Matete’s career includes significant leadership roles, including serving as Provincial Psychiatrist for the Nyanza region (1983–1988) and as Assistant Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, Kenya (1988–1990), where he played a key role in shaping national health strategies.
Dr Matete joined Health New Zealand in 2001 in his capacity as a Specialist Psychiatrist and also runs Legacy Psychiatry through which he provides his vast psychiatric expertise as a Private Contractor. His adaptability enables him provide clinical expertise at Kilimani Hospital, Kisumu, Kenya and globally via telemedicine.
Dr. Matete’s approach to psychiatry is holistic in the context of biopsychosocial paradigm and firmly grounded in evidence-based medical practice with individualized treatment plan to drive recovery and mental well-being.
In addition to clinical work, Dr. Matete has authored several publications on mental health challenges and solutions in Kenya. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to improving access to mental health services and advancing psychiatric knowledge across diverse populations.
In 2023 Dr Matete was awarded fellowship – one of the highest honors in the profession - by the Royal College of Psychiatrists as a mark of distinction and recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of psychiatry.
With a legacy encompassing clinical excellence, health policy, education, and international collaboration, Dr Matete remains a prominent advocate for the advancement of psychiatry.
