NCI-K Assesses Cancer Control Implementation in Murang’a County

11th June 2025 – Muranga County – NCI-K continues its county-wide assessment of the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023-2027. Today, NCI-K met with the Murang’a County Health Management Team (CHMT), led by Dr. James Mbugua, Director of County Health Medical and Public Health Services.

The assessment identified significant gaps in Murang’a County’s cancer control efforts, specifically in prevention and early detection, imaging, pathology and laboratory medicine, treatment, and palliative care. Furthermore, major deficiencies were noted in cancer advocacy and financing, with no dedicated budget for cancer activities despite their inclusion in the County’s Annual Work Plan (AWP). The county also lacks an operational oncology center or unit. Despite these challenges, Murang’a County does have a sufficiently trained healthcare workforce for oncology services.

Discussions also focused on potential areas for partnership and collaboration to effectively implement the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023-2027 within Murang’a County. In addressing these identified gaps, NCI-K, as stipulated in the Cancer Prevention and Control Act 2012, is uniquely positioned to play a crucial role. Specifically, NCI-K can:

• Encourage and Secure Establishment of Facilities: Work to encourage and secure the establishment of much-needed oncology centers, units, and other institutions for the welfare and treatment of persons with cancer in Murang’a. This includes supporting the provision of diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitative care.
• Coordinate Services: Coordinate existing and future cancer services within Murang’a, ensuring a streamlined and efficient approach to patient care, from diagnosis to palliative care.
• Collect, Analyze, and Disseminate Data: Leverage its mandate to collect, analyze, and disseminate data on cancer cases in Murang’a to inform planning and targeted interventions. This will ensure accurate figures for planning purposes.
• Provide Technical Assistance and Training: Offer technical assistance and provide access to available information and training to the Murang’a CHMT and healthcare workers, enhancing their capacity in cancer prevention, early detection, and management across all areas identified as having gaps.

Through these concerted efforts, NCI-K will be instrumental in transforming Murang’a County’s cancer control landscape, ensuring a more comprehensive and responsive approach to the cancer burden.