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The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) joined Kilifi County, development partners, and stakeholders in celebrating a major milestone in Kenya’s cancer control efforts with the official commissioning of the first-ever Cancer Centre at Kilifi County Referral Hospital.

The landmark event, hosted by H.E. Governor Gideon Maitha Mung’aro, was attended by H.E. Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador of France to Kenya, Mr. Amin Mawji, OBE, Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network in Kenya, representatives from the Ministry of Health, county leadership, development partners, and other key stakeholders committed to strengthening cancer care services in Kenya.

The establishment of the Cancer Centre marks a significant step towards improving access to quality cancer care for residents of Kilifi County and the wider Coastal region. For many years, patients seeking oncology services have been forced to travel long distances to access specialized treatment, often resulting in financial hardship, delayed care, and poor treatment outcomes. The introduction of chemotherapy services at the facility will bring life-saving treatment closer to patients and improve timely access to cancer care.

NCI-Kenya played a critical role in supporting the realization of this milestone as part of its mandate to coordinate and promote cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, palliative care, research, and partnerships across the country. Through close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Kilifi County Government, the National Cancer Control Programme, development partners, and healthcare institutions, NCI-K continues to support efforts aimed at decentralizing cancer services and strengthening cancer care infrastructure at the county level.

The launch of the centre aligns with Kenya’s broader objective of expanding access to comprehensive cancer care and reducing disparities in service delivery. It also reflects the growing impact of strategic partnerships in advancing the national cancer control agenda.

Looking ahead, Kilifi County has outlined plans to further strengthen the facility by establishing comprehensive oncology services, including radiotherapy through the acquisition of a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) and enhanced breast cancer screening through investment in digital mammography technology. These developments will contribute significantly to improving cancer outcomes through timely diagnosis and treatment.

Speaking during the event, leaders acknowledged the importance of collaboration in making the project a reality. NCI-Kenya was recognized as one of the key partners whose technical support, coordination, and commitment contributed to the successful establishment of the Cancer Centre. The commissioning of the Kilifi County Cancer Centre marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey towards equitable cancer care. The facility brings hope to patients and families by expanding access to quality cancer services closer to home and reducing the burden of travelling long distances for treatment. NCI-Kenya remains committed to working with national and county governments, healthcare providers, and development partners to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and care services across the country.

Building a Healthier Future for Kenya and Africa

The 4th Kenya–United Kingdom Health Alliance (KUKHA) One Health Research & Innovation Conference, taking place from 17–19 June 2026 at Jacaranda Hotel, Nairobi, brings together policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, academia, industry leaders, investors, and development partners to explore innovative solutions to some of the most pressing health challenges facing Kenya, Africa, and the world. Guided by the theme “From Challenges to Global Solutions Together: Building Kenya & Africa’s Health Innovation Future,” the conference serves as a platform to strengthen partnerships, share knowledge, and drive transformative action in healthcare.

Plenary Session

As Kenya and many African countries continue to experience a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, KUKHA 2026 places particular emphasis on cancer and kidney disease, both of which are increasing at alarming rates. Alongside these conditions, health security threats such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continue to challenge healthcare systems globally. Conference plenary sessions will examine the factors contributing to these trends and explore evidence-based strategies to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

Leading experts from Kenya and the United Kingdom will share insights on strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to quality care, and promoting sustainable interventions that can address current and future health challenges. Discussions will also focus on how international collaboration can accelerate progress and create lasting impact across the continent.

Participants following the proceedings at the 4th KAKHU conference

The conference recognizes that resilient health systems require strong emergency preparedness and response mechanisms. Through dedicated sessions on global standards in emergency medicine and health security, participants will explore innovative approaches adopted across different healthcare systems and examine lessons applicable to Kenya and Africa.

One of the key highlights of KUKHA 2026 is the focus on local health manufacturing and innovation. As Africa seeks greater self-reliance in healthcare products and technologies, the conference will explore opportunities for strengthening pharmaceutical production, vaccine manufacturing, medical technology development, and commercialization of health innovations. Experts from government, academia, industry, and development organizations will discuss how strategic investments, supportive policies, and partnerships can help build a thriving health manufacturing ecosystem.

Participants will also examine issues related to intellectual property, technology transfer, licensing, market shaping, and industrial parks as catalysts for economic growth and healthcare transformation. These discussions are expected to contribute to Kenya’s broader vision of becoming a regional hub for health innovation and manufacturing.

Advancing Cancer Care and Research

Cancer remains a major public health concern in Kenya and across Africa. Dedicated cancer tracks will focus on the burden of disease, healthcare gaps, partnership opportunities, diagnostics, oncology services, prevention strategies, genomics, clinical trials, and cancer care infrastructure. Participants will discuss the importance of early diagnosis, access to quality treatment, and the role of research in improving outcomes for patients.

Sessions will also examine emerging issues such as climate-informed cancer prevention, the impact of aflatoxins, and the role of genomics in developing more effective and personalized treatment approaches for African populations. Through these conversations, stakeholders hope to identify practical solutions that can reduce cancer-related mortality and strengthen cancer care systems across the region.

Promoting Universal Health Coverage

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) remains a critical pillar of Kenya’s health agenda. KUKHA 2026 provides a platform for discussing how innovation, medical technology, digital health solutions, and strategic partnerships can support equitable access to healthcare services. Participants will explore ways to strengthen healthcare delivery systems, improve patient experiences, and ensure that quality care reaches all communities.

The conference will also examine the role of healthcare financing, governance, and collaboration between national and county governments in achieving sustainable UHC goals. By sharing experiences and lessons from Kenya and the United Kingdom, stakeholders aim to identify scalable solutions that can improve health outcomes nationwide.

The conference aims to facilitate meaningful outcomes, including new partnerships, investment commitments, collaborative projects, and pathways for strengthening Kenya–UK health cooperation. Discussions will focus on building sustainable mechanisms for accountability, follow-up, and continued engagement beyond the conference itself. As delegates gather in Nairobi, the conference provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of health innovation, foster meaningful partnerships, and advance the shared goal of healthier communities across Kenya, Africa, and the world.

Nairobi, Kenya – 23rd March, 2026

Today, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya received a courtesy call from a team of cancer research and clinical experts.

The team included Prof. Sacha Howell of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, who leads the Breast Cancer Risk Prediction and Prevention Service and is a Senior Consultant at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. He was accompanied by Mr. Rajiv Dave, a Breast Surgeon at the University of Manchester, Dr. Francis Makokha, Head of the Human Health Research Program at Mount Kenya University, and a specialist in molecular medicine and cancer genetics, alongside Dr. Bahati Riogi, an oncoplastic surgeon at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The meeting, led by the CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, focused on strengthening collaboration in cancer research and data systems, particularly in advancing the national cancer registry and evidence generation.

NCI-K continues to play a central role in strengthening cancer data through the National Cancer Registry (NaCaRe) and in supporting locally driven research. Under the leadership of Dr. Melly, the Institute has prioritized investment in research that reflects Kenya’s unique population dynamics, recognizing that genetic variations across populations—and even across regions within the country—have significant implications for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This focus on local research is critical in generating context-specific evidence to inform policy, improve clinical outcomes, and guide targeted interventions.

NCI-K staff present included Gladys Chesumbai, Head of Cancer Registry; Dr. Joan Simam, Head of Research and Data Informatics; Linet Koskei, Head of Information, Education and Communication; Julius Kibichii, Biostatistician; and Hillary Chang’, Cancer Registrar.

Prof. Howell highlighted his research on endocrine therapy in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, as well as innovative approaches to risk prediction. Among his projects is the creation of platforms that use imaging and serial breast biopsies to investigate preventive measures in high-risk groups. Through these approaches, significant progress is being made in understanding the mechanisms of action and resistance associated with both existing and emerging breast cancer prevention therapies.

Further collaborative research, particularly with scientists at the Manchester Breast Centre, is advancing understanding of how mammographic density contributes to cellular transformation, offering new insights into early cancer development and prevention. It also highlights the strategic importance of partnerships in strengthening cancer data systems, advancing research, and improving patient outcomes in Kenya.

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya, today, in collaboration with Implenomics, began a two-day conference on Cancer Community Clinic Linkage (C3LINK), which runs from the 16th to the 17^th of March 2026. The Conference theme, Roadmap for Scaling up Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Kenya: Building on the Findings from the C3LINK Project to Inform Sustainable Strategies.

Implenomics is a US and Kenyan-based research institute whose work is to improve health care delivery in the global setting.

Representing the CEO of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, Joan Simam delivered opening remarks at the Cancer Community Clinic Linkage (C3LINK) Conference, highlighting the importance of partnerships in strengthening cancer prevention and care in Kenya.

Dr. Simam emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing cancer burden, noting that according to the Kenya Vital Statistics Report 2024, cancer is the second leading cause of registered deaths in health facilities in Kenya. She highlighted that Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer remain among the most common cancers affecting women, with many cases diagnosed at advanced stages.

She further noted that the C3LINK Project has generated valuable evidence on improving screening uptake, strengthening community engagement, and enhancing patient navigation. The findings, she said, will help inform national strategies to scale up screening services and improve early detection of cancer across the country.

This two-day conference presents a comprehensive engagement from facilitators and speakers spanning the Ministry of Health’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Social Health Authority (SHA), Machakos Level 5 Hospital, and 3C LINK Study Team, County Governments, Meru University of Science and Technology, and Civil Society Organizations, represented by Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO).

Participants following the discussions at the conference.

Presenting on the National Policy and Strategic Framework for Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention in Kenya, Joan Paula Bor from the National Cancer Control Programme highlighted key priorities drawn from the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023–2027. Her presentation emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care as part of a comprehensive national response to cancer.

Dr. Bor also spoke about Kenya’s progress toward the Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan, which aligns with global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.

Mabuko Olum delivered a presentation on the implementation of breast and cervical cancer prevention programmes in Kenya, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand access to screening and early detection services. He noted that the National Cancer Institute of Kenya has intensified community-based cancer screening initiatives across the country.

As part of these efforts, NCI-K successfully conducted large-scale cancer screening activities in five counties this year, including West Pokot County, Tharaka Nithi County, Isiolo County, Nandi County, and Kirinyaga County.

Other notable presentations included: Millicent Masinde’s presentation from Kenyatta National Hospital on Navigating the Path to Treatment for Women with Non-Ablative Precancerous Cervical Lesions, highlighting the clinical pathways and multidisciplinary approaches required to ensure timely and appropriate care for women diagnosed with complex cervical precancer conditions.

In addition, Herold Kipkirui (Study Physician – TIBA Team) presented on the Implementation of a Single-Visit Screen-and-Treat Approach Using Thermal Ablation, emphasizing the importance of simplified, patient-centered models that enable women to receive screening and treatment in a single visit.

On Data, presentations from Gladys Chesumbai highlighted the importance of data systems in strengthening cancer control, and the role of data in cancer surveillance through the National Cancer Registry of Kenya (NaCaRe). Her presentation was supported by Lawrence Kimathi from Savannah Informatics, whose presentation focused on Integrated Digital Ecosystems: Linking Cancer Screening to National Registry Surveillance through the EMPOWER Program.  

The conference continues tomorrow with further discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships, sharing evidence, and developing sustainable strategies to scale up breast and cervical cancer screening across Kenya.