Category: News/Updates

Nairobi, Kenya – The latest Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2024 estimates indicate that 35,867 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually in Kenya, while 22,888 people die from the disease each year. The report also estimates that 76,165 people are living with cancer within five years of diagnosis. Compared to the GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, the 2024 report reflects lower estimated numbers of new cancer cases, cancer-related deaths, and five-year prevalence. However, cancer remains a significant public health challenge, stressing the need for sustained investment in prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, research, and palliative care.

According to the report, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Kenya, accounting for 5,822 new cases (16.2%), followed by cervical cancer with 4,294 cases (12.0%), prostate cancer with 3,601 cases (10.0%), oesophageal cancer with 2,532 cases (7.1%), and colorectal cancer with 2,525 cases (7.0%).

The report also highlights the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality, claiming 2,882 lives annually, followed by cervical cancer (2,606 deaths), oesophageal cancer (2,353 deaths), prostate cancer (2,199 deaths), and colorectal cancer (1,481 deaths).

Among men, prostate cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer, accounting for 3,601 new cases (25.9%), followed by oesophageal, colorectal, stomach, and leukaemia. Among women, breast cancer remains the leading cancer with 5,822 new cases (26.5%), followed by cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, oesophageal cancer, and ovarian cancer.

The findings reaffirm the urgent need to strengthen Kenya’s cancer control efforts through enhanced public awareness, timely screening, early diagnosis, equitable access to quality treatment, palliative care, and sustained investment in cancer research. Early detection remains one of the most effective strategies for improving survival rates and reducing cancer-related deaths.

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) continues to coordinate the implementation of the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023–2027, which provides a comprehensive framework for reducing the country’s cancer burden through five strategic pillars: cancer prevention and early detection; diagnosis, treatment and palliative care; governance and financing; cancer registration, surveillance and research; and monitoring, evaluation, and strategic information.

While Kenya has made significant progress in expanding access to cancer services, strengthening county cancer programmes, improving cancer surveillance, and fostering strategic partnerships, the latest GLOBOCAN estimates demonstrate that cancer remains a major public health challenge requiring increased investment and a whole-of-society response.

NCI-K calls upon all Kenyans to prioritize healthy lifestyles, participate in recommended cancer screening programmes, seek medical attention promptly for persistent symptoms, and support national efforts aimed at reducing the burden of cancer. The Institute also urges continued collaboration among government, county governments, healthcare providers, development partners, academia, the private sector, and communities to accelerate progress towards a future where fewer Kenyans are diagnosed with cancer and more survive the disease.

The GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates, published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), provide the latest global and country-specific cancer incidence and mortality statistics and serve as an important resource for informing cancer control planning, policy development, and resource allocation.

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.”

Today, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) participated in the FY 2025/2026 Performance Contract Signing Ceremony for the Ministry of Health Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) and Regulatory Bodies. The ceremony, held at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Headquarters, brought together senior leadership from across the health sector.

The event was chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, and was attended by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga and Ms. Mary Muthoni, who accompanied the CS. Also present was Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim, Principal Secretary, State Department for National Government Co-ordination in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Health CS, Hon. Aden Duale, during the signing of the 2025/26 Performance Contract for MoH SAGAs.

In his remarks, PS Ahmed commended the Ministry of Health SAGAs for their commendable performance, while urging leadership to remain focused and committed to continuous improvement. He emphasized that performance is about service delivery, accountability, measurable improvement, and the determination to move institutions to the next level.

MoH SAGAs & Regulatory Bodies Leadership During the Signing of Performance Contracts 2025/26.

The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the national importance of the Ministry’s mandate, noting that the journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) remains a key agenda of the President and the Government, now increasingly visible across counties, facilities, and communities. He emphasized that health is the foundation of national productivity and that performance contracting is not a procedural formality or paperwork exercise, but a solemn covenant with the people of Kenya, a commitment to over 45 million citizens who depend on the health sector to safeguard their highest attainable standard of health.

He further stated that the Performance Contracts being signed represent accountability to the people, stewardship of public resources, and leadership measured strictly by results. Leadership, he added, is not defined by comfort but by responsibility under pressure. Every shilling allocated to the health sector must deliver measurable value to citizens, guided by fiscal discipline, operational efficiency, and innovation. The CS commended the Principal Secretaries, Board Chairpersons, CEOs, and management teams for the progress achieved across the Ministry.

NCI-K was represented at the ceremony by Board Chair Dr. Timothy Olweny; Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elias Melly; Board of Trustees Member, Dr. Benson Nyambega; and Mrs. Emily Barsito, the Head of Partnerships, Resource Mobilization, and Strategic Planning.

NCI-K Board Chair, Dr. Timothy Olweny.

The signing of the Performance Contract affirms NCI-K’s continued dedication to delivering on its mandate of coordinating cancer prevention, control, and research efforts in Kenya. It reinforces the Institute’s commitment to transparency, measurable impact, and alignment with national health priorities as the country works toward reducing the cancer burden.

Through this collective commitment, NCI-K remains focused on driving results, strengthening partnerships, and advancing quality, accessible cancer care for all Kenyans.

Kenya is intensifying efforts to address the rising cancer burden through strengthening critical treatment infrastructure and expanding access to specialized oncology services across the country.

Today, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, presided over the signing of Intergovernmental Participation Agreements (IPAs) and tripartite Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to operationalize regional cancer centres in Mombasa, Garissa, and Nakuru. The NCI-K CEO reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to strengthening coordinated cancer control efforts.

NCI-K CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, during the signing of Intergovernmental Participation Agreements (IPAs)

The agreements establish structured frameworks for preventive maintenance, quality assurance, and timely technical support for essential radiotherapy equipment, particularly linear accelerators, to ensure safe, reliable, and uninterrupted cancer treatment services.

Aligned with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, this initiative seeks to position regional facilities as strong referral hubs, bringing advanced cancer care closer to communities while minimizing delays and service interruptions.

The Government has also reiterated its commitment to improving cancer treatment financing through the Social Health Authority (SHA), increasing the oncology benefits package to KES 800,000 per patient, benefiting over 29 million registered Kenyans. Strengthened collaboration between national and county governments, together with private sector partners, will be key in building a more responsive and resilient cancer care system.

The Cabinet Secretary further called upon the Council of Governors and county governments to support these efforts by ensuring adequately trained personnel and a consistent supply of essential consumables, including brachytherapy source wires, thermoplastic masks, and imaging reagents required for daily clinical operations.

The NCI-K, represented by the CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, participated in the 16th KEMRI Annual Scientific & Health (KASH) Conference, convened under the theme: “Advancing Kenya’s Vaccine Research, Development and Manufacturing Capacity for Sustainable Health Security.”

The conference, which brought together leading scientists, policymakers, and global health experts, deliberated on strengthening Kenya’s vaccine ecosystem. Key sessions included a high-level roundtable on success factors in local vaccine manufacturing — spanning research and development, manufacturing capacity, technology transfer and intellectual property, skills development, regulatory pathways, quality standards, access to finance, supply chain systems, and market shaping. Discussions also explored Africa’s Initiative for Local Vaccine Manufacturing and advancing global vaccine end-to-end capabilities.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, PhD, EBS, Principal Secretary, State Department of Science, Research and Innovation, Ministry of Health, titled: “Kenya’s Vision and Journey in Local Vaccine Manufacturing.” The Chief Guest, Hon. Dr. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health, graced the conference.

During the conference, Dr. Melly presented on breast cancer incidence trends in Kenya and the role of exposure data in strengthening cancer surveillance, highlighting the importance of leveraging data and research to inform prevention strategies and enhance national cancer control efforts.The forum reaffirmed the central role of research, innovation, and strategic partnerships in advancing health security and improving population health outcomes.