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The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) is actively working to improve cancer care and data management in Kiambu County. This is demonstrated by a recent meeting between Kevin Opiyo, the Kiambu County Cancer Registrar, and the leadership of the Kiambu County Department of Health to review progress at the Thika Level 5 Cancer Treatment Center.

A major focus of the discussion was the cancer data collected so far and the path towards a comprehensive cancer reporting system. The team mapped out a clear strategy, with a key action point being hiring of more personnel. This is a critical step to ensure that all data is captured effectively, strengthening cancer surveillance and enabling evidence-based decisions for better patient care. By investing in a robust workforce, Kiambu County is setting the foundation for a system that can accurately track cancer trends, allocate resources efficiently, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

In addition to this high-level meeting, Mr. Opiyo has been actively engaged at the ground level, conducting training sessions for Health Records and Information Officers (HRIOs) in various facilities throughout the county. These engagements are a vital part of his quarterly reports and demonstrate a commitment to building capacity from the ground up. By empowering (HRIOs) with the necessary skills, the county ensures that data collection is accurate and consistent at the source, which is essential for a reliable cancer registry.

A fruitful meeting held yesterday between the CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, and the Surgical Society of Kenya (SSK) team, which was led by Dr. Michael Mwachiro, a Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist, who is also the President of the Surgical Society of Kenya and chair of the Education and Research committee for the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSESCA). 

Moreover, Dr Mwachiro is a co-chair of the African organization for Research and Training (AORTIC) Education and Training committee as well as a founder member of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC) and The AFrECC foundation. The meeting also included Ms. Lilian Kahiga, the secretariat for the Surgical Society of Kenya.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the important role of surgery in the prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Kenya. The team emphasized that surgery is the oldest known treatment modality for Cancer, and that over 90% of Cancer patients require surgical intervention. They also deliberated on building capacity in oncology and fostering partnerships and collaboration in Cancer Research. Dr Mwachiro is currently a Principal investigator in several global research programs for esophageal cancer. 

In the April, May and June quarter report , Elijah Omondi, a National Cancer Registrar for Kisumu County, has highlighted significant strides in improving cancer registration and data management. His work focuses on strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders and building capacity within the county’s health system.

The report details a series of high-impact meetings with both public and private sector leaders:

A meeting with the County Governor, Hon. Anyang’ Nyong’o resulted in a commitment to integrate cancer data initiatives into county health programs and explore budgetary allocations. This is a crucial step towards securing the resources needed for effective cancer control.

Mr Omondi’s engagement with the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health secured an agreement to issue directives to all health facilities, aiming to improve compliance and strengthen the flow of data to the national registry.

 At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital in Kisumu, a review of reporting trends led to the appointment of a dedicated focal person for cancer registration. This has already improved the timeliness of data reporting and established a framework for ongoing review and improvement.

To ensure comprehensive data, Omondi met with private hospital stakeholders, including Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu. This engagement has led to increased participation from private facilities, with a number of them requesting further training on data confidentiality and registry use.

A key component of his strategy was capacity building. Training sessions were conducted at Western Kenya Heart and Cancer Hospital Kisumu for a range of health professionals. The sessions focused on essential skills such as cancer registration procedures, ICD-O coding, and the use of reporting tools. He also developed and distributed simplified “Cancer Data Collection Guidelines” to all reporting facilities, providing a standardized and easy-to-follow resource.

These efforts are vital for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of cancer data, which in turn informs public health policies and resource allocation, ultimately improving cancer care and outcomes for patients.

In a powerful address at the recent National Cancer Summit, Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale EGH, highlighted that cancer is a national emergency, not just a health crisis. He shared statistics, noting that every day, over 120 Kenyans are diagnosed, and close to 29,000 lives are lost each year. These aren’t just numbers; they represent people, families, and shattered dreams.

Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s speech focused on the collective efforts being made to combat this crisis, stating that regional cancer centers are now operational across various counties, a significant step toward improving access and equity, The National Equipment Service Project has equipped hospitals with essential tools. For example, mammograms have been installed in Kisumu and Kerugoya, and CT scans are now operational in 15 county referral hospitals.

He further added that The Ministry of Health is expanding screening for various cancers, including breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, through community health promoters and mobile outreach teams. Through the Taifa Care initiative, the Ministry of Health is building a more responsive health system under CS Duale leadership. He celebrated a new partnership with Roche, which has drastically reduced the cost of certain cancer treatments for eligible beneficiaries.

Hon. Aden Duale urged all stakeholders to join the fight. He called on county governments to prioritize cancer in their budgets, healthcare professionals to lead with compassion, and the private sector to invest in localized, affordable solutions. He also encouraged the media, civil society, survivors, and citizens to raise awareness and unite their voices.

We were honored to have H.E Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o join us for the 2nd National Cancer Summit ,a gathering that reflected a collective concern and a shared commitment to transforming the course of cancer care in Kenya.

In his address, Prof. Nyong’o highlighted that cancer remains the third leading cause of death in Kenya, following cardiovascular diseases. He emphasized that “the time for dialogue is now, but more crucially, the time for action is now.” His speech focused on moving from policy to practice and from intent to impact.

Prof. Nyong’o commended the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) for supporting the establishment of cancer centers beyond Kenyatta National Hospital and acknowledged KNH’s significant contributions to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and training. He also applauded the National Cancer Control Strategy (2023–2027) launched by the Ministry of Health but urged all stakeholders to ensure its effective implementation.

As the Governor of Kisumu County, Prof. Nyong’o shared how his administration has contextualized the national strategy to address local realities. He stressed that cervical and breast cancers pose urgent public health threats in the region, prompting the First Ladies of the ELRA region to take an active role in promoting early detection and screening.

Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as Sketa, the Africa Cancer Foundation, PEFA, the American Cancer Society, UNICEF, and other stakeholders, Kisumu County has rolled out a community-based cancer screening program aiming to reach every eligible woman within three years. These efforts have led to a significant increase in HPV vaccination coverage among girls aged 10–14, rising from 12% in 2022 to 38% in 2024. This success has been driven by community health workers, schools, nurses, and grassroots advocacy.

With the constitutional mandate for counties to deliver healthcare services, Kisumu County has digitized community health systems, recruited gynecologists and oncologists, and is progressing toward the completion of comprehensive cancer care centres.

However, Prof. Nyong’o acknowledged the persistent challenges facing Kenya’s cancer response, including:

.Limited diagnostic infrastructure in counties

.A shortage of oncology specialists

.Gaps in financial protection for patients

.Social and cultural barriers affecting care

He urged for greater public education, stressing the need to normalize conversations around cancer and treat it like any other disease. He called on stakeholders to remain committed to funding, staffing, equipping, and tracking the impact of strategies put in place.

Prof. Nyong’o concluded by encouraging the summit to serve as a catalyst for renewed commitment – not only to talk about cancer but also to treat it, prevent it, fund it, and, where possible, eradicate it.

Most Kenyans have heard of cervical, prostate, and breast cancers. But mention Appendix Cancer and you might be met with surprise- and rightfully so. Awareness is low, yet this rare condition accounts for 1% of gastrointestinal cancers and is often discovered accidentally during other surgeries. Though it usually hides in plain sight, Appendix Cancer can have life-changing consequences. This August at NCI-Kenya, we are putting it in the spotlight and raising awareness to change that.

In Kenya, Appendix Cancer often goes unnoticed until it is advanced, partly because its symptoms mimic more common abdominal problems. This similarity can delay diagnosis, making awareness the key to early action. By recognizing the signs and seeking medical evaluation promptly, Kenyans can improve their chances of early detection and better treatment outcomes. For a detailed overview of the signs and symptoms to watch out for, read our earlier blog post link

While Appendix Cancer can occur at any age, it is mostly diagnosed in people aged 40 and above. However, younger Kenyans should not ignore ongoing or unexplained abdominal pain. Throughout this month, we will be sharing information about this condition on all our social media platforms and expanding the cancer conversation to include Appendix cancer, because rare does not mean irrelevant. Raising awareness ensures more people recognize it, ask the right questions, and get the help they need.

This August, we invite all Kenyans to join our awareness drive by sharing credible information on our platforms, encouraging family and friends to pay attention to abdominal symptoms, and supporting everyone undergoing treatment. Together, we can ensure that Appendix Cancer is no longer in the shadows but identified, understood, and tackled head-on. Awareness saves lives, and in this fight, every voice counts.

“I was only six when I was diagnosed with cancer,” Remembered Robert, a childhood cancer survivor. “Back in the day, there were no pediatric wards and no one to explain what was going on. The pain wasn’t just physical; it was also emotional. An invisible scar I still carried for so long.” Robert’s story was one among many that were shared during the recently concluded National Cancer Summit that brought together faith leaders, health workers, and community advocates to discuss the stigma and imbalance surrounding cancer in Kenya.

In a panel discussion chaired by Phoebe Ongadi (Executive Director, Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations), faith leaders emphasized the role churches and mosques play. They reiterated that they can be powerful places for education, mobilization, and compassion. Communities can learn to embrace and support patients rather than isolate them because cancer is neither a curse nor a punishment.

For survivors like Eunice, stigma was made worse by the financial burden that comes with treating cancer. “I had to choose between paying for school and raising funds for treatment. Support for young people battling cancer was almost non-existent.” Youth voices added urgency to the call for prevention and policy action. Elvina, a cancer advocate, contributed to the discussion, adding that cancer awareness should be integrated into the school curriculum just like religion is. “We must reject the influence of industries that fuel the disease burden like tobacco, she stressed.

Policy advocates highlighted the inequalities faced by cancer patients, especially in rural areas where they have to travel long distances for services that sometimes may not be available when they get there. Religious leaders and community advocates alike underscored the need for health systems that are inclusive, equitable, and respond to patient needs. The discussion highlighted an agreed-upon fact: cancer is not only a medical issue but a societal one. Addressing it will require everyone pulling their weight in their respective areas, cultural understanding, and policy reforms.

As the session came to an end, all voices across generations and sectors blended into one call- end stigma, increase support, and ensure no Kenyan fights cancer alone.

In a powerful display of community engagement and public health commitment, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) recently participated in a highly successful outreach program in Muhoroni, Kisumu County. The initiative, which was a part of a broader empowerment effort, focused on providing crucial cancer prevention and control services to local residents.

The well-attended event provided free screening for cervical, breast, and prostate cancer, where residents turned up for the activity hence supporting this, with the NCI-K team working tirelessly to educate community members on early detection and prevention. The program drew a distinguished list of leaders, underscoring the collaborative and high-level support for the fight against cancer.

The event was officially hosted by the Attorney General, Hon. Dorcas Odour. The NCI-K team also took the opportunity to engage directly with key government figures to highlight the institute’s mandate and the importance of continued public education. These included the Solicitor General, Hon. Shadrack J. Mose, and the area Member of Parliament for Muhoroni, Hon. James Onyango Oyoo. The presence of other influential leaders such as the former Prime Minister Hon. Raila Odinga, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, Deputy Governor Kisumu County, Hon. Beatrice Elachi, and Senator Catherine Mumo further amplified the event’s significance.

This collaborative effort served as a powerful platform for leaders to unite in demonstrating a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of Kenyans. The initiative at Muhoroni is a clear example of how strategic partnerships between government institutions and community leaders can translate into tangible, life-saving action on the ground.

A successful free medical camp at Kibigori Senior Secondary School concluded today, leaving a positive impact on the community. The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Hon Raila Odinga, the Attorney General of Kenya, Dorcas Oduor, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, Solicitor General of Kenya, Shadrack J. Mose, and the Member of Parliament for Muhoroni Constituency, Hon. Oyoo James Onyango.

During the closing ceremony, Dr. Ouma Oluga extended his gratitude to all the organizations that participated, emphasizing their role in bringing essential health services to the community. He gave a special mention to the National Cancer Institute of Kenya for their significant contribution in providing comprehensive screening services and raising cancer awareness among the residents.

In a move to ensure the camp’s benefits have a lasting effect, Dr. Oluga announced that all remaining medical supplies, including medicines, will be distributed to nearby hospitals. This initiative aims to provide continued access to healthcare for the local population.

The free medical camp at Kibigori Senior Secondary School served as a practical example of how the NCI-K’s strategic objectives are being translated into tangible action on the ground, making a real difference in the lives of ordinary Kenyans. The event underscored the government’s commitment to tackling non-communicable diseases and strengthening community-level healthcare services.

The medical camp was more than just a health initiative; it was a community-building event that brought together leaders, healthcare professionals, and residents to promote well-being and legal awareness.