The Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), Dr. Elias Melly, yesterday delivered a keynote address at the “Our Voice” Cancer Awareness and Empowerment Forum, organized by the Needy Cancer Health Initiative. The forum brought together various stakeholders in the industry, survivors, advocates, health professionals, and community leaders to strengthen public awareness and promote empowerment in the fight against cancer in Kenya.
In his remarks, Dr. Melly reaffirmed the central role of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya in coordinating the country’s response to cancer prevention and control. Established under the Cancer Prevention and Control Act, NCI-Kenya provides leadership, oversight, and coordination of cancer programs across the country, including prevention, early detection, treatment, research, training, and public awareness initiatives. The Institute also advises the government on priorities on cancer control and works with partners to expand access to quality cancer services across all counties.
Dr. Melly highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen cancer financing through the Social Health Authority (SHA). He noted that the enhanced oncology benefit package now provides up to KSh 800,000 per patient annually for cancer care through the Social Health Insurance Fund and the Emergency, Critical and Chronic Illness Fund. This investment represents a major step toward reducing the financial burden of cancer treatment for Kenyan families and ensuring more equitable access to life-saving care.
He urged Kenyans to enroll in the national health insurance program to safeguard themselves against the high costs associated with cancer treatment, emphasizing that universal health coverage remains a key pillar in the national response to cancer.
The CEO emphasized the importance of research in improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes. Through its Research and Data Informatics Directorate, NCI-Kenya supports cancer research initiatives across the country and collaborates with local and international institutions to generate evidence that informs policy and clinical practice. Research plays a critical role in understanding Kenya’s unique cancer patterns and developing interventions tailored to the country’s needs.
Dr. Melly also highlighted the significance of the National Cancer Registry, which operates under NCI-Kenya and serves as the country’s official source of cancer data. The registry collects, analyzes, and disseminates information on cancer incidence and trends, enabling policymakers, researchers, and health planners to make evidence-based decisions. Accurate cancer data is essential for planning prevention programs, allocating resources, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.
In closing, Dr. Melly called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, researchers, and communities to intensify cancer awareness, prevention efforts, and the dissemination of correct information. He emphasized that early detection, vaccination, screening, and healthy lifestyles remain the most powerful tools in reducing the burden of cancer in Kenya.
“The fight against cancer requires a united effort,” he said. “Through awareness, research, strong health systems, and sustainable financing mechanisms, we can significantly reduce the cancer burden and ensure that every Kenyan has access to quality cancer care.”
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