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We are exited to announce that Kenya, through the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, has won a bid to host World Cancer Leaders’ Summit, 2027. The event running from 24th to 28th November is Organised by UICC and hosted the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, the Summit’s return to Africa highlights the continent’s growing leadership role in global cancer control.UICC is pleased to announce that the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit 2027 will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 24 to 28 November.Hosted by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, the Summit will be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), a landmark venue in the heart of Nairobi.

“The World Cancer Leaders’ Summit brings together voices from every region to shape the future of cancer control. Holding the Summit in Nairobi ensures that Africa’s experiences and priorities are part of that global conversation. By convening in Africa, the Summit will ground its discussions in the lived realities of communities most affected by rising cancer burdens, ensuring that strategies are shaped by those confronting these challenges most directly.”– Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, President-elect of UICC, and Founder and CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation.

The World Cancer Leaders’ Summit is a high-level policy event that brings together decision-makers, civil society leaders, researchers and private sector partners to shape the global cancer agenda. The 2027 edition will provide a platform for strategic dialogue, regional collaboration and the sharing of innovative approaches to cancer control.

“It is a privilege to welcome the global cancer community to Nairobi for the 2027 World Cancer Leaders’ Summit. This return to Africa after the Summit in Cape Town in 2013 highlights the growing leadership role that the continent is playing, and offers a unique opportunity to engage with the challenges and progress shaping cancer across Africa, as well as to strengthen regional and global partnerships.”– Miriam Mutebi, Member of the UICC Board of Directors, Member of the UICC Board of Directors, Breast surgical oncologist and health systems researcher at the Aga Khan University, Kenya.

By hosting this historic event, NCI-K has demonstrated and solidified its position as a leading cancer institution, not only in Africa but also globally. We believe that through these high-level engagements, the battle against cancer will be won.

31st Oct‎, 2025 – ‎Central Region, Othaya, Nyeri County.

‎The nation-wide campaign in commemoration of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues as the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) partners with Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital, AstraZeneca, Microbiology East Africa Limited, and Grounds for Health, in Othaya, Nyeri County.

‎This activity is aimed at improving community engagement and promoting cancer prevention through free cancer screening services, including breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, as well as public education and awareness sessions.

‎Also featured are patient journey experiences and survivor testimonials aimed at inspiring patients and caregivers while fostering a deeper understanding of cancer care and management.

‎Throughout these exercises, NCI-K aims to:

‎1.           Promote awareness of breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, with a focus on early detection, timely intervention, and preventive measures.

‎2.           Provide free cancer screening services to at least 500 individuals from the surrounding community.

‎3.           Educate and empower the public on healthy lifestyle practices and self-examination techniques that contribute to cancer risk reduction.

‎4.           Strengthen partnerships among collaborating institutions and community stakeholders to support sustainable cancer control initiatives.

‎5.           Encourage continuous screening and follow-up care through established community health structures and hospital-based clinics.

‎As we strive to achieve our mission of reducing cancer incidence in the country, we urge members of the public to take advantage of these free cancer screening initiatives. Remember, early detection saves lives; your life matters.

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya’s efforts to reduce the national cancer burden have advanced with an expanded collaboration. Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, hosted representatives from the Merck Foundation and NCI-K, led by CEO Dr. Elias Melly, to formalize this partnership.

The meeting, held today, the 29^th of October, 2025, at Afya House in Nairobi, focused on strengthening collaboration in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

 The discussions were centered on transforming the cancer care continuum in the country, from prevention to treatment, by expanding joint programs that will significantly enhance cancer diagnosis and management. The partnership strategically merges the Merck Foundation’s global expertise with Kenya’s growing healthcare infrastructure. 

  This collaboration is focused on actionable steps to improve access and quality, particularly in underserved communities, including prioritizing early detection, Affordable Treatment Access, and Patient Support Initiatives.

Dr. Oluga strongly emphasized that such partnerships are vital for achieving the government’s goals of quality and equitable healthcare access.  “Cancer is one of the fastest-rising health challenges globally. By joining forces with partners like Merck Foundation and NCI-K, we can strengthen our health system’s capacity to prevent, detect, and treat cancer early, saving more lives,” said Dr. Oluga.

The joint initiatives will bring a positive effect in regard to: building capacity across the entire healthcare system, enhancing public awareness, and ultimately contributing to a significant reduction in Kenya’s cancer burden. This alliance powerfully reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to delivering accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all citizens

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), together with key partners BD (Becton Dickinson) and Pfizer, concluded a three-day co-created oncology workshop today at Lake Naivasha Resort. The session, which began on 13th October, brought together over 50 oncology professionals from Kenya’s major private, referral, and county hospitals.

The workshop was attended by strong representatives from leading medical institutions, including Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, Garissa Referral Hospital, The Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, and MP SHAH. These Kenyan professionals engaged directly with experts from BD’s Dubai and South Africa offices, as well as Pfizer’s regional team, reinforcing a joint commitment to innovation, safety, and equitable access in cancer care.

Festus Kamau, from BD, demonstrating the use of PICC and PORTS (vascular access management devices)

The primary focus of the workshop was the mainstreaming of cancer health products and technologies across the end-to-end supply chain, ensuring that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is realized through accessible, available, and affordable quality reagents, medical supplies, and drugs. This commitment is anchored by critical access programs, including the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Pfizer Accord for a Healthier World and the Ministry of Health (MoH). These programs have already led to a significant reduction in the cost of cancer care, covering novel therapies based on current evidence. Additionally, BD ensures the availability of essential oncology-related products such as specialized cannulation devices and biopsy collection tools.

A highlight of Day Two was a dedicated breakout session on Oncology Quantification, led by Mr. Geoffrey Magwi from KEMSA, which provided an opportunity for structured quantification of oncology molecules across the participating facilities. The session underscored KEMSA’s critical role in ensuring the last-mile supply of oncology medicines to both public and private sector facilities. Through this session, participants explored harmonized approaches to forecasting, procurement, and distribution to ensure uninterrupted access to quality cancer medicines.

Participants actively follow the session presentations

A high-level panel discussion on “National Frameworks for Oncology Medicines and Biosimilars” was another centerpiece of the event, featuring experts from the Directorate of Health Products and Technologies (DHPT), the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), the Social Health Authority (SHA), KEMSA, and the oncology fraternity. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for Kenya to develop a national biosimilar framework to ensure the quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness of oncology medicines, aligning with the country’s broader access and regulatory goals.

Dr. Michelle Nguu from the National Cancer Institute of Kenya emphasized the importance of transitioning from dialogue to implementation — particularly in operationalizing strategies discussed during the workshop. She stressed the Institute’s commitment to supporting structured coordination, evidence generation, and technical guidance to enhance oncology service delivery. Dr. Nguu also announced the formation of a BD-led Technical Working Group to pilot vascular access management guidelines in one of Kenya’s public hospitals, focusing on the clinical application of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) and implanted ports to improve patient safety and treatment outcomes.

The workshop was officially closed by Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya. In his keynote address on “Strengthening Cancer Care in Kenya,” Dr. Melly commended the progress achieved under the National Cancer Control Strategy (NCCS) 2023–2027 and reaffirmed NCI-K’s commitment to advancing collaborative frameworks that improve equitable access to quality oncology care nationwide.

The three-day event concluded with a clear synthesis of lessons and priorities, driving forward the collective goal of building a harmonized, evidence-driven, and patient-centered approach to cancer care delivery in Kenya.