From 3rd to 5th September 2025, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, convened a three-day National Cancer Treatment Guidelines Review Workshop at Sarova Hotel, Nairobi. The event marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cancer care and improve patient outcomes.
The workshop brought together a multidisciplinary team of experts, including oncologists, oncology nurses, pharmacists, and pathologists, alongside representatives from leading health facilities such as Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH), and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). County representatives from Meru, Nyeri, Nakuru, Mombasa, Garissa, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Kakamega, and Kisumu also participated, reflecting a nationally inclusive approach to improving cancer care delivery.
Graced by the CEO of NCI-K Dr. Elias Melly and the Director-General of the Ministry of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, the workshop focused on reviewing and updating the 2019 National Cancer Treatment Guidelines and the Adult & Childhood Cancer Differentiated Care Packages (2022/23). With GLOBOCAN 2022 estimating 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317 related deaths annually in Kenya, the review aimed to integrate emerging diagnostic tools, innovative treatment modalities, paediatric cancer protocols, and updated costing structures to make cancer care more accessible, effective, and aligned with Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In his remarks, Dr Melly applauded the practitioners for their dedication and excellent work in advancing cancer care across the country. He reaffirmed NCI-K’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the updated guidelines and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among healthcare professionals, institutions, and stakeholders.
Key outcomes from the workshop included evaluating the effectiveness of the existing guidelines, incorporating latest scientific research and treatment technologies, and developing an implementation framework to ensure the smooth dissemination and adoption of the updated guidelines nationwide. The inclusive participation of counties and major referral hospitals underscored the importance of collaboration and collective action in addressing Kenya’s cancer burden.
Once finalized and validated, the updated guidelines will be disseminated to healthcare providers across the country to standardize cancer care, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance equitable access to quality cancer services. This milestone reflects Kenya’s continued commitment to evidence-based, patient-centred, and sustainable cancer care.
Leave a Reply