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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.

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) yesterday participated in Africa Press Day 2026, a flagship regional convening hosted by Roche Africa. The event brought together leading voices shaping the future of health in Africa—including patient advocates, policymakers, innovators, and more than 40 journalists from across the continent—to explore a critical question: What is health truly worth to societies, economies, and Africa’s long-term sovereignty?

Held under the theme “Health: What’s it worth?”, the 2026 edition reframed health not as a cost or social expenditure, but as an economic driver that underpins productivity, resilience, equity, and sustainable development across the continent. The event took place at Mbagathi Hospital and included a site visit to the EMPOWER Digital Clinic.

Panel discussion. From left: Dr. Victor Kibe, Head of Division for NCD
Care in Nairobi County, Dr. Matiko, CEO, Savannah Informatics, Jacqueline Wambua, Roche East Africa General Manager, and Emily Barsito, Head of Partnerships, Resource Mobilization and Strategic Planning, NCI-K

This year’s discussions also placed special focus on women’s health, recognizing its central role in workforce participation, household stability, and intergenerational prosperity across African societies.

A key highlight of the visit was the EMPOWER digital platform, developed in collaboration with NCI-K, Savannah Global Health, and Roche. The platform is a digital patient notification and navigation tool for individuals diagnosed with cancer, enabling real-time data capture and improved care coordination. The system has been integrated into the National Cancer Registry (NaCaRe) to strengthen cancer reporting, harmonize data across facilities, and enhance patient tracking to ensure that no patient is lost along the continuum of care.

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Moses Owino, Director of Medical Services for Nairobi City County Government, and featured key leaders in health policy, oncology, and digital innovation. Among the panelists was Emily Barsito, Head of Partnerships, Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilization at NCI-K, alongside Dr. Victor Kibe (Head of the Division for NCD Care, Nairobi County), Suzanne Silantoi (Health, Wellness and Nutrition, Nairobi County), H.E. Dorothy Nyong’o (Managing Trustee, Africa Cancer Foundation and First Lady of Kisumu County), and Dr. Matiko, CEO of Savannah Informatics.

During the discussion, Emily Barsito addressed two key issues. First, she spoke on the role of digital health platforms in strengthening the national cancer response, highlighting how NaCaRe and EMPOWER tools enable the government to track patient outcomes more effectively, generate real-time data for decision-making, and support evidence-based allocation of health resources.

Secondly, she discuNCI-K Participates in Africa Press Day 2026

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) yesterday participated in Africa Press Day 2026, a flagship regional convening hosted by Roche Africa. The event brought together leading voices shaping the future of health in Africa—including patient advocates, policymakers, innovators, and more than 40 journalists from across the continent—to explore a critical question: What is health truly worth to societies, economies, and Africa’s long-term sovereignty?

Held under the theme “Health: What’s it worth?”, the 2026 edition reframed health not as a cost or social expenditure, but as an economic driver that underpins productivity, resilience, equity, and sustainable development across the continent. The event took place at Mbagathi Hospital and included a site visit to the EMPOWER Digital Clinic.

This year’s discussions also placed special focus on women’s health, recognizing its central role in workforce participation, household stability, and intergenerational prosperity across African societies.

A key highlight of the visit was the EMPOWER digital platform, developed in collaboration with NCI-K, Savannah Global Health, and Roche. The platform is a digital patient notification and navigation tool for individuals diagnosed with cancer, enabling real-time data capture and improved care coordination. The system has been integrated into the National Cancer Registry (NaCaRe) to strengthen cancer reporting, harmonize data across facilities, and enhance patient tracking to ensure that no patient is lost along the continuum of care.

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Moses Owino, Director of Medical Services for Nairobi City County Government, and featured key leaders in health policy, oncology, and digital innovation. Among the panelists was Emily Barsito, Head of Partnerships, Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilization at NCI-K, alongside Dr. Victor Kibe (Head of the Division for NCD Care, Nairobi County), Suzanne Silantoi (Health, Wellness and Nutrition, Nairobi County), H.E. Dorothy Nyong’o (Managing Trustee, Africa Cancer Foundation and First Lady of Kisumu County), and Dr. Matiko, CEO of Savannah Informatics.

During the discussion, Emily Barsito addressed two key issues. First, she spoke on the role of digital health platforms in strengthening the national cancer response, highlighting how NaCaRe and EMPOWER tools enable the government to track patient outcomes more effectively, generate real-time data for decision-making, and support evidence-based allocation of health resources.

Secondly, she discussed standardization and equity in cancer care, noting that the National Cancer Control Strategy helps ensure that the standard of care remains consistent across the country.

Through its participation in Africa Press Day, NCI-K reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging digital innovation, partnerships, and data-driven approaches to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient support systems in Kenya.ssed standardization and equity in cancer care, noting that the National Cancer Control Strategy helps ensure that the standard of care remains consistent across the country.

Through its participation in Africa Press Day, NCI-K reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging digital innovation, partnerships, and data-driven approaches to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient support systems in Kenya.

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), in collaboration with partners including Texas Cancer Centre, Beyond Zero, Minnovate Afya, the County Government of Kirinyaga, and the Office of the Principal Secretary, State Department for Health and Professional Standards – Ministry of Health, conducted a major cancer screening, education, and awareness outreach at Ngiriambu Primary School in Kirinyaga County as part of activities to commemorate Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

The outreach was preceded by extensive community mobilization and publicity, resulting in an impressive turnout of both men and women for screening services. Notably, Day One recorded a historic milestone — for the first time across NCI-K screening outreaches, the number of men presenting for screening surpassed that of women. This marks a significant and encouraging shift, demonstrating that men are increasingly taking an active role in seeking healthcare services. The high uptake among men was further supported by the use of modern PSA screening technology, a simple process that delivers results in approximately 15 minutes, improving convenience and confidence in testing.

The week-long activity is expected to reach even higher numbers as momentum builds. NCI-K commends the community for this positive response and encourages other regions across the country to emulate Kirinyaga’s proactive approach to cancer prevention and early detection.

In addition to screening services, members of the public received health education and awareness sessions aimed at dispelling myths and misconceptions about cancer while promoting accurate information on prevention, early detection, and treatment options. NCI-K remains committed to reaching communities across the country to enhance uptake of HPV vaccination and cancer screening services as Kenya works toward achieving the WHO 90-70-90 cervical cancer elimination targets by 2030, alongside implementation of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2025–2030.

15th January, 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) participated in the official launch of Kenya’s National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to eliminate one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.

The launch took place during a National Symposium presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, as part of Kenya Cancer Awareness Month. The two-day symposium was held under the theme:
“Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination: Strong Systems and Community Action for Every Girl and Every Woman.”

Health CS Hon. Aden Duale during the official launch of Kenya’s National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030.

NCI-K was represented at the symposium by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Elias Melly, reaffirming the Institute’s central role in coordinating and strengthening national cancer prevention and control efforts.

The forum brought together women leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, development partners, and civil society organisations to review progress and accelerate action across the full continuum of cervical cancer care — from prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

This Action Plan is designed to drive progress towards the WHO global 90–70–90 targets:

• 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV
• 70% of women screened using high-performance tests
• 90% of women diagnosed with cervical pre-cancer or cancer receiving timely and appropriate treatment

The Action Plan prioritises HPV vaccination, early and equitable screening, prompt treatment, and long-term follow-up, in alignment with the World Health Organization’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.

NCI-K remains committed to supporting the implementation of this Action Plan through coordination, advocacy, public education, and partnerships aimed at achieving a cervical cancer–free future for all women and girls in Kenya.

The 90–70–90 targets aim to eliminate cervical cancer by ensuring widespread HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment for all women. In Kenya, the government—through the Ministry of Health—is actively pursuing these goals as part of a comprehensive cancer control agenda. The strategy sets global targets for 90% of girls vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70% of women screened with high-performance tests by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of women diagnosed with pre-cancer or cancer receiving appropriate treatment to drastically reduce incidence and deaths within the century.

Kenya has taken several concrete steps to make this a reality. The Ministry of Health has integrated free HPV vaccination into the national immunization programme across the country and recently transitioned to a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule, which increases coverage and reduces barriers for families. Screening services for cervical, breast, prostate, and other cancers are being expanded through community outreach, county health facilities, and integrated public health campaigns.

Beyond vaccination and screening, the government is strengthening cancer care infrastructure and access. Through the Social Health Authority (SHA) oncology benefits package, millions of Kenyans receive financial support for cancer diagnosis and treatment, including expensive therapies like HER2+ breast cancer drugs at reduced cost under the SHA scheme. More cancer treatment centres—such as regional and county chemotherapy and radiotherapy units—are being established, and modern diagnostic equipment like mammography and CT scanners are being rolled out to more counties to bring services closer to patients.

The government’s National Cancer Control Strategy 2023-2027 provides policy guidance across prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and research, emphasizing county partnerships, stakeholder coordination, and financing to improve access and outcomes. Kenya is also strengthening cancer data systems and population-based registries to inform evidence-based policy and improve planning and evaluation of interventions.

Together, these efforts highlight Kenya’s strong commitment to protecting women and girls and advancing toward a cervical cancer–free future while tackling the broader cancer burden across the country.