National Cancer Institute Kenya

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  • NCI-K Facilitates Implementation and Validation of EWSS Intervention for Childhood Cancer

    NCI-K Facilitates Implementation and Validation of EWSS Intervention for Childhood Cancer

    3rd December, 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya.

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya hosted representatives from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, and The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Nairobi to discuss a research project titled: “An Adapted Early Warning Signs and Symptoms (EWSS) Intervention to Improve Early Recognition and Referral of Childhood Cancers in Kenya and Cameroon.” This is a research project in partnership with the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Health Sciences, and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Canada.

    This study seeks to generate robust evidence on the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost implications of introducing a context-adapted EWSS intervention. The aim is to equip healthcare providers and policy stakeholders with practical, evidence-based tools and guidance necessary to drastically improve the early detection and timely referral of childhood cancers.

    The project is currently being rolled out across seven pilot counties in Kenya, ensuring broad geographic representation: Machakos, Garissa, Meru, Embu, Nyeri, Murang’a, and Nairobi.

    The meeting, chaired by NCI-K CEO Dr. Elias Melly, aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the implementation context, seeking institutional technical support for anticipated challenges, as well as expert guidance on aligning the intervention with national health priorities.

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya is committed to reducing the cancer burden across all age groups through evidence-based mitigation for improved childhood cancer outcomes in Kenya.

  • Zimbabwean Delegation Benchmarks at NCI-K to Establish their National Cancer Institute.

    Zimbabwean Delegation Benchmarks at NCI-K to Establish their National Cancer Institute.

    Nairobi, Kenya – 01/12/2025

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) today hosted a high-level Zimbabwean delegation for a benchmarking visit to support the creation of a Cancer Institute in Zimbabwe. This collaboration demonstrates both countries’ commitment to advancing cancer control in Africa.

    The Zimbabwean delegation, comprising senior government and regulatory officials, was led by Dr. B.M. Dube, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet.

    Zimbabwean Delegation.

    The delegates included:

    • Mr. Chiraya Anderson, Chief Director in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
    • Ms. Rudo Karadzandina, Deputy Director in the Office of the President.
    • Dr. Anna Mary Nyakabau, Board Chairperson, Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe.
    • Mr. Edwin Mhukayesango, Deputy Director, Radiation Protection Authority, Ministry of Health, Zimbabwe.
    • Mr. Chafumbwa Tichaona, Deputy Director in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
    • Ms. Edith Muterina, Representative from the Zimbabwean Embassy.

    This high-profile delegation is centrally involved in overseeing, monitoring, and evaluating national development initiatives and strategies, highlighting the priority placed on effective health sector development in Zimbabwe.

    Dr. B.M. Dube – Permanent Secretary, Office of the President and Cabinet, Zimbabwe.

    NCI-K Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Elias Melly, welcomed the visitors at NCI-K headquarters in Nairobi and took them through the mandate of the Institute. Key areas of focus and presentation included:

    1. Institutional Mandate and Governance: A detailed overview of the legal framework and core mandates of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, including the policies and guidelines developed to aid the national fight against cancer.
    2. Data Management and Informatics: A comprehensive presentation on the implementation and management of the National Cancer Registry system (NaCaRe), highlighting NCI-K’s approach to data collection, research, and informatics for evidence-based decision-making.
    3. Public Awareness and Education: Insights into how NCI-K passes information to the public through the Information, Communication, and Education (ICE) department, focusing on prevention, screening, and education awareness.
    4. Stakeholder Collaboration: A review of NCI-K’s successful strategy for collaborating with national and international stakeholders and partners to facilitate nationwide free cancer screenings.
    5. Cancer Care Financing and Sustainability: Lessons on how Kenya is managing comprehensive cancer care through the oncology package under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), focusing on sustainable financing, accessibility, and ensuring equitable treatment access across the population.

    This is a collaborative effort that aims to reduce the cancer burden in Africa through knowledge sharing, a step that will enable the Zimbabwean delegates to gain practical models and lessons learned in organizational structure, policy development, and data-driven cancer control, which will be invaluable as they move forward with establishing their own national institute.

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya is firmly committed to relentlessly reducing the national cancer burden through proper leadership, deepening partner engagements, and robust public education. The Institute has demonstrated its ability as a regional leader in effective cancer management through the development and implementation of comprehensive frameworks, such as the National Cancer Control Strategy, National Cancer Registry system (NaCaRe), Polices, and the Social Health Authority’s Oncology Package.

  • NCI-K and the American Cancer Society Convened a Validation Meeting for Kenya’s Patient Navigation Framework to Strengthen Cancer Care

    NCI-K and the American Cancer Society Convened a Validation Meeting for Kenya’s Patient Navigation Framework to Strengthen Cancer Care

    Nairobi, Kenya – 28th November 2025.

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya, jointly with the American Cancer Society, convened a validation meeting for the Kenya SPARK Patient Navigation Implementation Framework, an effort to strengthen the coordination and effectiveness of cancer care in Kenya.

    Patient navigation is recognized as a great pillar in comprehensive cancer care. This framework, developed jointly by the Technical Working Group of the American Cancer Society and NCI-K, aims to address barriers that patients encounter, such as delays in diagnosis, fragmented referral pathways, limited information, and financial strain.

    In her opening remarks, Emily Barsito, the Head of Strategic Planning, Resource Mobilizations, and Partnerships Directorate at NCI-K, thanked the American Cancer Society for its partnership, leadership, and unwavering commitment to strengthening cancer control systems in Kenya. “We would like to register our appreciation for your partnership, leadership, and unwavering commitment to strengthening cancer control systems in Kenya. We look forward to continued collaboration as we move toward implementation.”

    She further affirmed NCI-K’s commitment to working collaboratively with the American Cancer Society to ensure the development of a practical and scalable framework.

    “Today’s validation meeting is more than a technical exercise. It is a moment for us to affirm our shared commitment to patient-centered cancer care. It is an opportunity to refine the Framework so that it becomes fully responsive to the needs of counties, health facilities, navigators, and most importantly, the patients we serve.”

    Navigation provides the essential support needed to keep patients engaged and empowered throughout their care journey. Evidence from around the world demonstrates that patient navigation leads to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment adherence, reduced loss to follow-up, and ultimately better health outcomes.

  • World Leaders’ Cancer Summit 2025: Kenya Secures Historic 2027 Host Rights

    World Leaders’ Cancer Summit 2025: Kenya Secures Historic 2027 Host Rights

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya led the Kenyan Delegation in attending the World Leaders’ Cancer Summit 2025 in Melbourne, Australia, hosted by Cancer Council Victoria. The World Leaders’ Cancer Summit, which takes place every two years, provides an important forum to embrace opportunities and secure global, coordinated responses to the challenges faced by the cancer and health communities. 

    This was also an important moment for the nation of Kenya, as the country was officially mandated with the rights to host the 2027 World Leaders Cancer Summit in Nairobi, the first to be held on the African Continent. In her remarks after receiving the rights, Dr. Emily Barsito, Head of Partnerships, Resource Mobilizations, and Strategic Planning at NCI-K, extended gratitude to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for awarding Kenya the opportunity after a highly competitive bidding process. Securing the rights to host the 2027 Summit demonstrates the world’s recognition of Kenya as a leading country in Africa towards achieving Universal Health Coverage, particularly in the fight against cancer.

    The summit provided the Kenyan Delegation, under the leadership of NCI-K CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, with a critical opportunity to maximize its networking potential by convening with influential global leaders, institutions, and organizations dedicated to advancing cancer control efforts, including:

    The leadership of The Royal Children’s Hospital, hosted by Professor Michael Sullivan, a Paediatric Oncologist and Neuro-Oncologist in the Children’s Cancer Centre, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne.

    1. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, hosted by Ashlea Gilmore, Director, Partnerships and Enterprise.
    2. UICC President, Ulrika Årehed Kågström, who is also a Secretary-General of the Swedish Cancer Society, board member of the Nordic Cancer Union, and member of the Swedish Government’s Life Science Advisory Group. 
    3. CEO, Cancer Council Victoria, Todd Harper, together with Dr. Andre Ilbawi, Lead Cancer Control, WHO.
    4. Prof. Margare Foti, CEO American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

    Traditionally, the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit partners with key international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), etc, to foster global cooperation and drive progress in cancer control policies and practices.

  • Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: The Urgency of Early Detection

    Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: The Urgency of Early Detection

    November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on one of the most challenging cancers that is often called the “silent killer” because it rarely shows symptoms in its early stages.

    For many Kenyans, the first sign is subtle: a persistent stomach ache, unexplained weight loss, or yellowing of the eyes. By the time these symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced.

    “Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect early, which is why awareness is so important,” says Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of NCI-K. “Recognizing symptoms and seeking timely medical advice can make a real difference.”

    NCI-K CEO Dr. Elias Melly

    Deep dive into Pancreatic Cancer

    The pancreas is a vital organ that aids digestion and regulates blood sugar. When cancer cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably, they can spread quickly to other parts of the body.

    Detection requires a combination of imaging techniques, such as CT, MRI, and PET scans, as well as pathology, in which tissue samples are examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

    Thanks to NCI-K’s coordinated efforts, many counties across Kenya now have access to modern diagnostic tools and trained specialists. This ensures that patients can receive timely testing and care closer to home.


    Every Kenyan should feel empowered to discuss their health and seek medical advice without delay. Early detection remains the most effective strategy against pancreatic cancer.
     

    Human Impact

    Across Kenya, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed only after symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss become severe. Many patients seek care late, unaware that early, subtle signs could have prompted timely intervention. “Even mild changes in your health can be a signal to consult a doctor,” says Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of NCI-K. “Raising awareness and encouraging early check-ups is key; early detection saves lives.”

    Your next move

    • Know the symptoms: abdominal pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, digestive difficulties.
    • Seek medical advice early: Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
    • Participate in screenings: Available at local health facilities or through NCI-K initiatives.
    • Raise awareness: Talk to your family, friends, and community about pancreatic cancer.

    NCI-K’s Commitment

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya is dedicated to ensuring that all Kenyans have access to quality cancer care from awareness and prevention to diagnosis and treatment. During Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, NCI-K calls on communities to take proactive steps, join awareness campaigns, and prioritize their health. Early detection and prompt medical care save lives. Together, we can lessen the impact of pancreatic cancer in Kenya,” Dr. Melly concludes

  • The Roche–MoH–SHA MOU Implementation Workshop

    The Roche–MoH–SHA MOU Implementation Workshop

    17th November 2025, marked our Day 1 of the Roche–MoH–SHA MOU Implementation Workshop at the Great Rift Valley Lodge with a high-level opening plenary bringing together leadership from the Ministry of Health, NCI–Kenya, the Social Health Authority (SHA), KEMSA, the Digital Health Authority (DHA), the MoH Division of Health Products & Technologies (DHPT), Roche, and Savannah Global Health Institute (SGHI). The day set a unified tone for strengthening Kenya’s national architecture for breast and cervical cancer control.

    Sessions highlighted the current state of breast and cervical cancer in Kenya, reviewing epidemiological trends and the health system burden. Partners explored the investment case for oncology in Africa, followed by a review of health financing achievements and challenges from the previous MOU—now reframed within SHA’s expanded mandate and DHA’s emerging digital ecosystem for claims, approvals, and health data integration.

    KEMSA and DHPT shared key lessons from past collaborations in supply chain optimisation, commodity access, and regulatory alignment, while Roche provided insights on partnerships for access to innovation. SGHI contributed perspectives on systems strengthening, implementation support, and global standards that can fortify national cancer pathways.

    The afternoon was dedicated to a deep-dive workshop to co-develop clear Terms of Reference and KPIs for the new MOU. Stakeholders identified actionable priorities in screening, diagnostics, treatment access, sample referral systems, supply chain efficiency, digital health integration, and sustainable financing across all levels of care.

    Day 1 concluded with a consolidation of emerging priorities and agreement on action points, establishing a strong foundation for the technical workstreams scheduled for Day 2.

  • SHA Expands Cancer Coverage to Strengthen Cancer Care in Kenya

    The Government of Kenya, through the Social Health Authority (SHA), has expanded the Cancer Benefit Package under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) – a major step toward improving access to quality and affordable cancer care for all Kenyans.

    Appearing before the National Assembly Plenary Sitting, chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, presented a comprehensive report detailing progress made under the Cancer Benefit Package. The package supports patients throughout their cancer care journey ,from diagnosis and staging to treatment and palliative care.

    According to Hon. Duale, coverage under SHA has been significantly strengthened by removing limits on treatment cycles within the annual benefit cap, ensuring fairness, flexibility, and continuity of care for patients. Currently, 140 health facilities across the country are contracted to provide comprehensive cancer services.

    To date, 33,101 patients have benefited from the package, with KSh 5.8 billion

  • NCI-K Achieves Research Institute Certification 🔬

    NCI-K Achieves Research Institute Certification 🔬

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) has achieved a major institutional milestone by being officially awarded a certificate of registration as a research institute. The certification was granted by the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), in full compliance with the requirements of The Science, Technology and Innovation Act, 2013. This prestigious recognition formalizes NCI-K’s role in advancing cancer-related research. The certificate was presented by Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, the Principal Secretary for Science, Research, and Innovation in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, and received on behalf of the NCI-K CEO by Dr. Joan Simam, the Head of Research and Data Informatics Directorate, who emphasized the significance of the achievement:

    “This certification reflects the Institute’s commitment to ethical, collaborative, and impactful cancer research, fully compliant with requirements under The Science, Technology, and Innovation Act, 2013.”

    This recognition is a major step forward and a stepping stone for NCI-K as the leading cancer institution in the country. The Institute is currently dedicated to collecting accurate data from the ground to enable more rigorous and relevant research. This effort is supported by the Cancer Registry Department, under the leadership of Gladys Chesumabi, which has cancer registrars dispatched to all regional cancer centers across the country.

    With this official research certification, NCI-K is now positioned to transform this rich, accurate data into actionable insights. We believe that the fight against cancer is not far from victory, as this research will provide more precise, localized information to effectively tailor treatment and intervention strategies.

  • Kajiado County – NCI-K Conducts Community Sensitization on Cancer and NCDs

    Kajiado County – NCI-K Conducts Community Sensitization on Cancer and NCDs

    6th November 2025 – The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), in collaboration with the Kajiado County Health Management Team, is conducting a cancer and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) sensitization campaign during the ongoing annual Maa Cultural Festival held at the Amboseli National Park, Kajiado County.

    This initiative seeks to leverage the high number of Maasai community members, convening from across the three Maa Counties of Narok, Kajiado, and Samburu, organized under the framework of the Maa Economic Bloc (MAAEB).  The event provides a strategic platform for us to share important government policies on health and create awareness, specifically focusing on demystifying the cultural cancer myths, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles. To ensure that cancer information permeates deep to the grassroots level, the institute developed and translated the IEC materials into the local language, cognizant of the varying cultural values of our communities.

    This one-week activity will feature sessions including:

    • Education & awareness Sessions: Interactive talks and materials in local languages to educate the community on cancer prevention, early signs, and the importance of screening.
    • Direct Screening Services: On-site screenings for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.

    Apart from the County Government of Kajiado, the Institute has also collaborated with key partners, including Women for Cancer and AstraZeneca, demonstrating a shared commitment to fighting and reducing cancer incidences in Kenya through early detection and prevention.

  • WORLD CANCER LEADERS’ SUMMIT, 2027 TO BE HELD IN NAIROBI

    WORLD CANCER LEADERS’ SUMMIT, 2027 TO BE HELD IN NAIROBI

    We are exited to announce that Kenya, through the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, has won a bid to host World Cancer Leaders’ Summit, 2027. The event running from 24th to 28th November is Organised by UICC and hosted the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, the Summit’s return to Africa highlights the continent’s growing leadership role in global cancer control.UICC is pleased to announce that the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit 2027 will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 24 to 28 November.Hosted by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, the Summit will be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), a landmark venue in the heart of Nairobi.

    “The World Cancer Leaders’ Summit brings together voices from every region to shape the future of cancer control. Holding the Summit in Nairobi ensures that Africa’s experiences and priorities are part of that global conversation. By convening in Africa, the Summit will ground its discussions in the lived realities of communities most affected by rising cancer burdens, ensuring that strategies are shaped by those confronting these challenges most directly.”– Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, President-elect of UICC, and Founder and CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation.

    The World Cancer Leaders’ Summit is a high-level policy event that brings together decision-makers, civil society leaders, researchers and private sector partners to shape the global cancer agenda. The 2027 edition will provide a platform for strategic dialogue, regional collaboration and the sharing of innovative approaches to cancer control.

    “It is a privilege to welcome the global cancer community to Nairobi for the 2027 World Cancer Leaders’ Summit. This return to Africa after the Summit in Cape Town in 2013 highlights the growing leadership role that the continent is playing, and offers a unique opportunity to engage with the challenges and progress shaping cancer across Africa, as well as to strengthen regional and global partnerships.”– Miriam Mutebi, Member of the UICC Board of Directors, Member of the UICC Board of Directors, Breast surgical oncologist and health systems researcher at the Aga Khan University, Kenya.

    By hosting this historic event, NCI-K has demonstrated and solidified its position as a leading cancer institution, not only in Africa but also globally. We believe that through these high-level engagements, the battle against cancer will be won.