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Every September, the world comes together to shine a light on four cancers — Blood, Childhood, Gynaecological, and Prostate. In Kenya, awareness has grown, yet silence and stigma still hold many back from seeking timely testing and diagnosis when it matters most. Each year, thousands of lives are lost not only to cancer itself but also to the quiet fear that surrounds it. Recent statistics paint a sobering picture: about 45,000 new cases and 29,000 deaths annually. Behind these numbers lies a deeper truth — too many Kenyans are diagnosed late, not because hospitals cannot help, but silence, fear, and stigma delay the very first step to care. Why many wait until it is too late is a question whose answer only lies in homes and communities.

Kenya has not been silent on paper. The Kenya Cancer Care Policy 2019–2030 calls for greater awareness, prevention, early detection, and improved caregiving. The Mental Health Policy also warns that stigma is a stumbling block to timely diagnosis, one that deepens the stress for patients and their families. Our CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, reminds us that policies only come alive when they reach people. “We will win in the community, not in the clinics. Investing one dollar in prevention saves sixteen in treatment.” He further emphasized that, as the country moves towards primary care, there is an urgent need to train healthcare workers and community health promoters to recognize symptoms early.

Yet policies and plans only tell part of the story. Behind every statistic is a human face, and it is often survivors who remind us what silence and stigma really cost. At the 2^nd  National Cancer Summit, childhood cancer survivor Robert recalled: “I was only six when I was diagnosed. There were no pediatric wards and no one to explain what was going on. The pain wasn’t just physical; it was emotional. An invisible scar I still carry to date.” Other survivors at the forum echoed the same pain, with one saying: “The hardest part was not the treatment — it was the silence. People avoided me. They whispered instead of asking how I was.”

Cancer is not always a death sentence, but silence can be. Breaking stigma begins with open conversations- in families, workplaces, churches, and communities. Speaking up encourages early screening, offering support restores dignity, and challenging myths saves lives. As we mark this September of awareness, let us remember: silence and stigma are battles we can all fight, and by doing so, we give more Kenyans the chance not just to survive, but to live fully.

A significant meeting took place on September 5, 2025, at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss a potential game-changing initiative: the establishment of a Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC). This new center, a proposed partnership between the Korean government and Kisumu County, aims to address a critical healthcare gap in the region.

The meeting highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated cancer facility. Kisumu’s First Lady, H.E. Dorothy Nyong’o, pointed out that a staggering 80% of cancer patients in the county are currently referred elsewhere for treatment. This not only burdens families with high costs but also delays and compromises care. A local, comprehensive center would drastically change this, making life-saving services accessible to the lakeside region.

Support for the project was strong and unanimous. The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), represented by Mr Joel Owino, and Mr. Elijah Omondi, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the center meets national standards and contributes vital data to the National Cancer Registry. The Kisumu County Health Department and the leadership of JOOTRH both endorsed the plan, seeing the standalone centre as a crucial expansion of the region’s healthcare capacity. Ms. Wairimu Mwaura from the Africa Cancer Foundation also backed the idea, noting that a consolidated centre would streamline care and improve patient experience.

The most insightful remarks came from Dr. George Rae, the former CEO of JOOTRH, who shared valuable lessons from past attempts to establish a cancer center. He spoke of previous negotiations with various international partners and the challenges that stalled those efforts. Dr. Rae stressed the importance of learning from the past to ensure the new Korean partnership is built on a foundation of strong governance and long-term sustainability.

This project represents a hopeful new chapter for cancer care in Kisumu. By leveraging international collaboration and building on the wisdom of past experiences, the new Comprehensive Cancer Centre has the potential to transform healthcare for thousands of people, bringing quality, affordable treatment closer to home.

From 3rd to 5th September 2025, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, convened a three-day National Cancer Treatment Guidelines Review Workshop at Sarova Hotel, Nairobi. The event marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cancer care and improve patient outcomes.

The workshop brought together a multidisciplinary team of experts, including oncologists, oncology nurses, pharmacists, and pathologists, alongside representatives from leading health facilities such as Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH), and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). County representatives from Meru, Nyeri, Nakuru, Mombasa, Garissa, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Kakamega, and Kisumu also participated, reflecting a nationally inclusive approach to improving cancer care delivery.

Graced by the CEO of NCI-K Dr. Elias Melly and the Director-General of the Ministry of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, the workshop focused on reviewing and updating the 2019 National Cancer Treatment Guidelines and the Adult & Childhood Cancer Differentiated Care Packages (2022/23). With GLOBOCAN 2022 estimating 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317 related deaths annually in Kenya, the review aimed to integrate emerging diagnostic tools, innovative treatment modalities, paediatric cancer protocols, and updated costing structures to make cancer care more accessible, effective, and aligned with Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

In his remarks, Dr Melly applauded the practitioners for their dedication and excellent work in advancing cancer care across the country. He reaffirmed NCI-K’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the updated guidelines and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among healthcare professionals, institutions, and stakeholders. 

Key outcomes from the workshop included evaluating the effectiveness of the existing guidelines, incorporating latest scientific research and treatment technologies, and developing an implementation framework to ensure the smooth dissemination and adoption of the updated guidelines nationwide. The inclusive participation of counties and major referral hospitals underscored the importance of collaboration and collective action in addressing Kenya’s cancer burden.

Once finalized and validated, the updated guidelines will be disseminated to healthcare providers across the country to standardize cancer care, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance equitable access to quality cancer services. This milestone reflects Kenya’s continued commitment to evidence-based, patient-centred, and sustainable cancer care.

In a landmark two-day workshop hosted at the Argyle Grand Hotel, key public and private sector stakeholders united to chart a stronger pathway for the uptake of HPV DNA testing in Kenya. The convening responded to the country’s persistently low cervical cancer screening coverage and the even lower uptake of HPV DNA testing, despite its proven effectiveness in early detection of high-risk infections

The meeting brought together a diverse coalition of actors including the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defence, county governments, Roche, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), CIHEB, Old Mutual, and county-level laboratory and health officials.

The central theme was the urgent need to reverse Kenya’s high cervical cancer mortality by shifting to evidence-based strategies. Participants emphasized that HPV DNA testing offers superior sensitivity compared to older methods such as VIA or Pap smears, making it a cornerstone in the fight against cervical cancer.

A high-level panel featuring Dr. Elias Melly (CEO, NCI-K), Dr. Taofik Oloruko Oba (Roche), Lance Osiro (CHAI), Pamela Were, and Sylvia Kadima underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration. Deliberations highlighted distinct roles: government in creating policy and financing frameworks, NGOs and development partners in community mobilization, and the private sector in scaling access to innovative diagnostics and sustainable financing solutions.

Practical sessions formed a key part of the workshop. Breakout groups, led by Dr. Michelle Nguu, Pamela Were, and Faith Mathai, tackled ground-level implementation. Participants engaged in:

Hands-on demonstrations of sample collection techniques, with emphasis on self-sampling methods to increase women’s comfort, privacy, and uptake.

Practical laboratory exercises, covering HPV DNA processing workflows, quality assurance protocols, and approaches for improving turnaround time of results.

Simulation of referral and follow-up pathways, ensuring women who test positive are seamlessly linked to diagnosis and treatment services.

Exploration of implementation models, ranging from county-level integration into existing RMNCAH platforms to employer-based wellness programs, including Old Mutual’s workplace health initiatives.

The workshop closed with a plenary session where county teams and partners presented recommendations. There was strong consensus on the need for sustained national coordination, resource pooling, and community-centered strategies to normalize HPV testing.

The collective commitment was clear: through strategic partnerships and practical implementation, Kenya can transform cervical cancer from a leading killer into a preventable and treatable disease for all women.

Kenya’s leadership in the fight against cancer has been recognized on a global scale. A recent article in The New York Capital Times, featuring our CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, highlights how his vision is advancing the future of cancer care in Kenya and serving as a global benchmark.

The feature titled “The future of cancer care is being written by Elias Melly” reflects on Dr. Melly’s journey from the international Halls of Academia to grassroots healthcare in Kenya. Educated in leading Institutions abroad, he chose to return home and is determined to ensure that cancer care is accessible to all and not a privilege of a select few.

Under Dr. Melly’s leadership, NCI-K now boasts of decentralized cancer centers from Nairobi to counties- equipping regional hubs, enhancing screening services, and ensuring no family faces financial ruin in the quest to treat cancer. This shift has brought dignity, hope, and care closer to communities. Understanding the importance of homegrown solutions, Dr. Melly pioneered the creation of Kenya’s first comprehensive cancer database.

This step ensured that policies are formulated based on our realities and not borrowed assumptions. It has also advanced affordable care packages through SHA.Beyond equipment and data, Dr. Melly invests in people. He lectures future oncologists and continues to nurture expertise and a culture of compassion in cancer care.

His commitment extends to supporting local researchers and fostering international collaborations that enhance Kenya’s voice in global health issues. The article also expresses Dr. Melly’s ambition in positioning Kenya as a continental hub for cancer innovation. With the recent success of the 2nd National Cancer Summit, NCI-K is now preparing to host the Global Cancer Summit in 2027, which will bring together thought leaders, health practitioners, and advocates from across the world.

While this recognition shines a light on Dr. Melly, it is a win for everyone who believes in the steps of achieving a healthier Kenya, from families, patients, to healthcare practitioners. At NCI-K, we are proud of this global recognition and are committed to ensuring that early detection, accessible treatment, and hope for recovery reach every Kenyan.

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) is actively working to improve cancer care and data management in Kiambu County. This is demonstrated by a recent meeting between Kevin Opiyo, the Kiambu County Cancer Registrar, and the leadership of the Kiambu County Department of Health to review progress at the Thika Level 5 Cancer Treatment Center.

A major focus of the discussion was the cancer data collected so far and the path towards a comprehensive cancer reporting system. The team mapped out a clear strategy, with a key action point being hiring of more personnel. This is a critical step to ensure that all data is captured effectively, strengthening cancer surveillance and enabling evidence-based decisions for better patient care. By investing in a robust workforce, Kiambu County is setting the foundation for a system that can accurately track cancer trends, allocate resources efficiently, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

In addition to this high-level meeting, Mr. Opiyo has been actively engaged at the ground level, conducting training sessions for Health Records and Information Officers (HRIOs) in various facilities throughout the county. These engagements are a vital part of his quarterly reports and demonstrate a commitment to building capacity from the ground up. By empowering (HRIOs) with the necessary skills, the county ensures that data collection is accurate and consistent at the source, which is essential for a reliable cancer registry.

A fruitful meeting held yesterday between the CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, and the Surgical Society of Kenya (SSK) team, which was led by Dr. Michael Mwachiro, a Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist, who is also the President of the Surgical Society of Kenya and chair of the Education and Research committee for the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSESCA). 

Moreover, Dr Mwachiro is a co-chair of the African organization for Research and Training (AORTIC) Education and Training committee as well as a founder member of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC) and The AFrECC foundation. The meeting also included Ms. Lilian Kahiga, the secretariat for the Surgical Society of Kenya.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the important role of surgery in the prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Kenya. The team emphasized that surgery is the oldest known treatment modality for Cancer, and that over 90% of Cancer patients require surgical intervention. They also deliberated on building capacity in oncology and fostering partnerships and collaboration in Cancer Research. Dr Mwachiro is currently a Principal investigator in several global research programs for esophageal cancer. 

Kenya’s cancer burden cannot be dealt with through treatment alone. This was the consensus at the 2nd National Cancer Summit. County leaders, Oncologists, and pharmaceutical executives called for a greater focus on prevention and early detection, coupled with a commitment to ensuring equitable access to cancer care. Dr. Gregory Ganda, County Executive Committee member (CECm) for Kisumu County, took the lead by challenging policymakers to improve the implementation of cancer control. “Policies must move us from illness to wellness,” he said. “We have put too much focus on treatment while underfunding prevention and screening.”

At the county level, Kisumu is already walking the talk by showing what adapting national policies looks like. Through their collaboration with UNICEF and local schools, they have been able to triple HPV coverage and are now looking to expand their prevention programs to underserved areas using mobile mammogram units. Women will be able to get breast cancer screening closer to them. Kisumu County has also screened 30,000 women for cervical cancer annually, with a target of reaching 150,000 in 5 years. These efforts, Dr. Ganda noted, show how county-level innovation can turn policy into impact.

Beyond County efforts, the private sector is also stepping in to strengthen access. Pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies shared the progress of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) they signed with the Government to provide affordable drugs for cancer treatment through the Social Health Insurance (SHA) scheme. Speakers at the panel led by NCI-K’s board chair, Dr. Timothy Olweny took the opportunity to highlight the importance of data integration, digitization, and primary care coordination in sustaining these partnerships. 

Kenya’s launch of the Essential Diagnostic List (EDL-2023)- a first in Africa was also lauded as a major step in ensuring equitable access to essential tests, but funding is key. Another recurring concern at the summit was equity. Oncologists called for a standardized treatment protocol across counties to ensure cancer patients receive the same quality of care irrespective of their location. Across the panel, experts agreed on one thing: that tackling the cancer burden must put prevention and diagnostics at its core. With stronger cross-sector collaboration, Kenya can reduce its cancer burden and make progress in advancing Universal Health Coverage.

In the April, May and June quarter report , Elijah Omondi, a National Cancer Registrar for Kisumu County, has highlighted significant strides in improving cancer registration and data management. His work focuses on strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders and building capacity within the county’s health system.

The report details a series of high-impact meetings with both public and private sector leaders:

A meeting with the County Governor, Hon. Anyang’ Nyong’o resulted in a commitment to integrate cancer data initiatives into county health programs and explore budgetary allocations. This is a crucial step towards securing the resources needed for effective cancer control.

Mr Omondi’s engagement with the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health secured an agreement to issue directives to all health facilities, aiming to improve compliance and strengthen the flow of data to the national registry.

 At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital in Kisumu, a review of reporting trends led to the appointment of a dedicated focal person for cancer registration. This has already improved the timeliness of data reporting and established a framework for ongoing review and improvement.

To ensure comprehensive data, Omondi met with private hospital stakeholders, including Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu. This engagement has led to increased participation from private facilities, with a number of them requesting further training on data confidentiality and registry use.

A key component of his strategy was capacity building. Training sessions were conducted at Western Kenya Heart and Cancer Hospital Kisumu for a range of health professionals. The sessions focused on essential skills such as cancer registration procedures, ICD-O coding, and the use of reporting tools. He also developed and distributed simplified “Cancer Data Collection Guidelines” to all reporting facilities, providing a standardized and easy-to-follow resource.

These efforts are vital for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of cancer data, which in turn informs public health policies and resource allocation, ultimately improving cancer care and outcomes for patients.

In a powerful address at the recent National Cancer Summit, Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale EGH, highlighted that cancer is a national emergency, not just a health crisis. He shared statistics, noting that every day, over 120 Kenyans are diagnosed, and close to 29,000 lives are lost each year. These aren’t just numbers; they represent people, families, and shattered dreams.

Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s speech focused on the collective efforts being made to combat this crisis, stating that regional cancer centers are now operational across various counties, a significant step toward improving access and equity, The National Equipment Service Project has equipped hospitals with essential tools. For example, mammograms have been installed in Kisumu and Kerugoya, and CT scans are now operational in 15 county referral hospitals.

He further added that The Ministry of Health is expanding screening for various cancers, including breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, through community health promoters and mobile outreach teams. Through the Taifa Care initiative, the Ministry of Health is building a more responsive health system under CS Duale leadership. He celebrated a new partnership with Roche, which has drastically reduced the cost of certain cancer treatments for eligible beneficiaries.

Hon. Aden Duale urged all stakeholders to join the fight. He called on county governments to prioritize cancer in their budgets, healthcare professionals to lead with compassion, and the private sector to invest in localized, affordable solutions. He also encouraged the media, civil society, survivors, and citizens to raise awareness and unite their voices.