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.
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