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The global stage for oncology is currently set in Chicago, where the prestigious American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting is underway. This highly anticipated conference brings together tens of thousands of oncology professionals from around the world to share groundbreaking research, innovative treatments, and the latest advancements in cancer care.

We are proud to announce that the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) staff, led by our esteemed CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, is actively participating in this great event. NCI-K’s presence at ASCO demonstrates our unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of global cancer control efforts and ensuring that Kenya benefits from the latest in oncology.

Attending ASCO provides an invaluable opportunity for the NCI-K team to:

• Learn from the Best: Engage with leading experts, researchers, and clinicians presenting cutting-edge findings in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
• Identify Innovations: Discover new technologies, therapies, and best practices that can be adapted and implemented to strengthen cancer care services across Kenya.
• Foster Global Partnerships: Network with international organizations, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies to explore potential collaborations and resource mobilization opportunities.
• Inform National Strategy: Gather critical insights that will further inform and refine Kenya’s National Cancer Control Strategy, ensuring it remains evidence-based and globally aligned.

From discussions on precision medicine and immunotherapy to advancements in early detection and palliative care, the knowledge gained at ASCO will be instrumental in enhancing NCI-K’s capacity to lead and coordinate comprehensive cancer control initiatives nationwide. This direct engagement with the global oncology community reinforces NCI-K’s dedication to improving health outcomes for all Kenyans affected by cancer.

We look forward to the insights and innovations our team will bring back from ASCO, further solidifying Kenya’s position in the global fight against cancer.

#ASCO2025 #NCIK #CancerResearch #GlobalHealth #KenyaHealth #Oncology #CancerControl #Innovation

Kenyan breast cancer patients are about to see a significant drop in treatment costs, with sessions falling from KES 120,000 to just KES 40,000. This massive reduction comes thanks to a new partnership between the Ministry of Health (through the Social Health Authority, SHA) and Roche East Africa, officially launched by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale.

This collaboration aims to boost financial protection for cancer patients, aligning with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) caps breast cancer treatment sessions at KES 40,000 with no co-payment for patients. This will be implemented across all SHA-contracted facilities, including public, faith-based, and private hospitals, ensuring fair access to quality care.

Beyond cost reduction, the partnership will also enhance access to essential medicines and diagnostics, provide training for healthcare workers in breast and cervical cancer management, and expand screening and early detection efforts. Hon. Duale emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to healthcare reform, including using digital tools to fight counterfeit medicines. He stated that the initiative is about “saving lives, promoting equity, and reinforcing the integrity of our healthcare system.”

The launch event saw key figures present, including Roche East Africa General Manager Ms. Jacqueline Wambua, along with high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Health and related health authorities.

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In its unwavering commitment to fight cancer and bring cancer prevention and control services closer to the people, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), led by Rift Valley Regional Team Lead, Ms. Linet Koskei, today held a strategic engagement with the Narok County Health Leadership.
The meeting brought together key county health leaders, including: Chief Officer for Clinical Services, Madame Jane Kiok, Chief Officer, Preventive and Promotive Health, Madame Lucy Kashu, Ag. County Director of Health, Dr. Patrick Njoka, NCD Coordinator, Ms. Nancy Kamiti and members of the County Health Management Team (CHMT)
The engagement focused on assessing the progress Narok County has made in cancer prevention and control, identifying existing gaps and challenges, and jointly exploring practical ways to implement sustainable solutions that will bring life-saving cancer services closer to the mwananchi.
“Counties are crucial in our national fight against cancer,” Ms. Koskei stated. “Strong collaboration with the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) is essential to drive impact at the grassroots level. Narok County should establish a dedicated budget line for cancer prevention and control activities. This will empower the County Health Management Team (CHMT) to implement sustainable, locally responsive programs that align perfectly with the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023-2027, ultimately improving long-term health outcomes for our community.”
As part of the visit, Ms. Koskei toured the soon-to-be-completed Oncology Unit located on the 4th floor of the new county hospital building, set for completion within the next six months. She commended the County Government for prioritizing cancer care infrastructure and integrating the unit into the new facility, which will greatly reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside the county.
She further reaffirmed NCI-K’s support in ensuring the oncology unit meets all national standards as outlined in the Guidelines for the Establishment of Cancer Centres, paving the way for it to become fully operational.
This engagement marks another bold step toward building a stronger, more equitable cancer control system-one that truly meets the needs of our communities.
Together, we are bringing cancer care closer to the people – where it matters most.

Tharaka Nithi – 15^th May, 2025

As part of its continued efforts in engaging County Governments on the implementation of the County Action Plans, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya held a meeting with Dr. Rose Micheni, Chief Officer for Medical Services, Tharaka Nithi County. Represented by Chrisantus Wekesa, the Regional Head, they discussed strengthening devolved healthcare with a focus on cancer care. Dr. Micheni expressed strong appreciation for the National Cancer Institute of Kenya for its leadership in coordinating cancer control efforts and for engaging grassroots stakeholders in shaping responsive interventions.

She commended NCI-K’s inclusive approach and the strategic partnerships, as it spearheads efforts to support county governments in building sustainable cancer care systems. Dr. Micheni affirmed her commitment to rallying support within the County Assembly for legislation that advances cancer outcomes, notably, the establishment of a cancer centre in Tharaka Nithi; an initiative already endorsed by the County Assembly to reduce reliance on external facilities and improve local access to care.

Additionally, Dr. Micheni acknowledged the need for increased budgetary allocation to cancer services and committed to advocating for enhanced funding to support the county’s cancer response.

NCI-K is pleased to learn that this agenda enjoys the full backing of Dr. Micheni, H.E., the Governor Hon. Muthomi Njuki, and the county leadership, who are united in prioritizing cancer services.

Prior to this meeting, NCI-K engaged with the Tharaka Nithi County Health Management Teams (CHMTs), and among the key issues discussed were:

• Prioritization of Establishing a Cancer Centre. Given that the county currently lacks such a facility, this was identified as a critical need.
• Establishment of a Cancer Registry: The need for a functional cancer registry was emphasized to enhance data collection and inform planning.
• Public Education and Awareness:  A call was made to strengthen community sensitization and awareness on cancer prevention and early detection.
•  Implementation of the National Cancer Control Strategy (NCCS): The team expressed commitment to aligning county efforts with the NCCS for improved cancer control outcomes.

The Institute, through its dedicated staff, is fully determined, through constructive engagements, to support County Governments in implementing the National Cancer Control Strategy (NCCS), as discussed during the County Action Plans engagements.

Baringo County – 15th May 2025

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya, through the Rift Valley Regional Team Lead, Ms. Linet Koskei, held an engagement meeting in Baringo County to assess progress and foster collaboration in strengthening cancer prevention and control efforts.

Ms. Koskei met with Hon. Eng. Felix Maiyo, Deputy Governor of Baringo County; Hon. Josphat Lokorio, Member of the County Assembly and Chair of the Health Committee; Nancy Chesire, Chief Officer for Health; Dr. Gerishon Abakalwa, Acting Director of Medical Services and Medical Superintendent; Dr. Timothy Amgee, NCD Coordinator; and members of the County Health Management Team (CHMT).

The discussion centered on evaluating the county’s strides in cancer prevention and early detection, assessing the capacity of healthcare facilities to deliver imaging, pathology, and laboratory services, and reviewing the availability of cancer treatment, palliative care, and survivorship support. The meeting also addressed the current status of advocacy, partnerships, coordination, and financing mechanisms, while reflecting on the role of strategic information, cancer registration, and research in driving evidence-based interventions.

During the meeting, Ms. Linet Koskei emphasized the importance of counties setting aside specific budgetary allocations to tackle and support the fight against cancer, noting that dedicated funding is critical in scaling up sustainable and impactful interventions at the grassroots level.

NCI-K believes these shared commitments between NCI-K and the County Governments brings comprehensive, high-quality, and community-responsive cancer services closer to the people. It also figures the importance of aligning local efforts with the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023–2027, ensuring that interventions are guided by the five strategic pillars to effectively reduce the cancer burden across the region.

Together, we are building a future where every Kenyan has access to timely and equitable cancer care, from prevention to survivorship.

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya, on 13th May 2025, led strategic engagements in Machakos and Makueni counties to assess the status of implementation of the National Cancer Control Strategy (NCCS). The discussions, led by Dr. Michelle Nguu from NCI-K, were held with the County Health Management Teams (CHMTs) and healthcare personnel working at the county cancer centers.
The engagements held were guided by the County Cancer Action Plans, an initiative by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya to help county governments develop tools and strategies to align county-level cancer control priorities with the national strategy, providing structured pathways for improving cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care. Dr. Nguu’s support was critical in the development of these plans for both Makueni and Machakos counties.
In Makueni County, NCI-K conducted a reassessment of the Makueni Cancer Center and confirmed that the county had successfully implemented key recommendations issued during the 2024 inspection by the Standards and Quality Directorate at the National Cancer Institute of Kenya. The improvements observed highlighted notable progress in infrastructure, service delivery, and compliance with national cancer care standards.
These engagements demonstrated the value of sustained technical support in building resilient and responsive cancer care services across Kenya, strengthening the need for close collaboration between national and county health systems.