The Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), Dr. Elias Melly, joined the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, during a strategic engagement at Afya House with Prof. Eric Ford, Director and Vice-Chair of Medical Physics at the University of Washington and member of Bio Ventures for Global Health (BVGH), aimed at accelerating the transformation of Kenya’s cancer care system under the Universal Health Coverage agenda.
Health CS, Hon. Aden Duale, leading the meeting.
The discussions focused on the growing role of AI-enabled technologies, including systems already in use at Kenyatta National Hospital, in improving diagnostic precision, strengthening clinical decision-making, and enhancing efficiency in oncology care delivery.
The meeting also explored expansion of radiotherapy services, strengthening referral linkages between national and regional cancer centres, digital learning platforms for specialized oncology training, early cancer detection through community health systems, and improved access to essential oncology medicines.
The engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to practical, technology-driven solutions that improve access, quality, and equity in cancer care delivery across the country. The Cabinet Secretary was joined by Dr. Stephen Muleshe, Director of Public Health and Sanitation, Dr. Isaak Bashir, Director of Family Health, and other senior Ministry of Health officials.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) is participating in the ongoing IARC@60 Conference taking place from 19th to 21st May 2026 in Lyon, France.
Held at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and La Halle Tony Garnier, the conference has brought together experts, researchers, policymakers, and global health leaders from around the world to launch a bold new era in cancer prevention and control by translating scientific advances into impactful public health action.
During the conference, Dr. Elias Melly, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, delivered a presentation titled:
“Strengthening Cancer Surveillance Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Formal Mentorship Model for Capacity Building.”
The presentation emphasized the urgent need to strengthen Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs), develop sustainable local expertise, and build resilient cancer surveillance systems across Sub-Saharan Africa to support evidence-based policy and decision-making.
Dr. Elias Melly Delivering a Presentation at the IARC@60 Conference.
The IARC@60 Conference, themed “Cancer Research into Action,” is celebrating six decades of scientific excellence and global collaboration in cancer research while looking ahead to the future of cancer prevention and control. The conference highlights the transformative power of science in shaping healthier societies through data-driven policies, the discovery of emerging risk factors, and the strengthened communication of scientific evidence.
The three-day conference is structured around three key themes:
Discovery and Innovation for Cancer Prevention
Translating Research into Public Health Action
Science-Policy Interface for Global Change
NCI-Kenya remains committed to advancing evidence-based cancer control, strengthening regional and global partnerships, and supporting robust data systems necessary to guide cancer policy, prevention, treatment, and research across Africa.
Dr. Elias Melly, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), is representing Kenya at the inaugural Commonwealth Health Coordination Forum (CHCF) on the cancer agenda taking place in Geneva ahead of the 79th World Health Assembly.
Held under the theme, “Shaping the Future of Cancer Across the Commonwealth,” the forum brings together Health Ministers, senior government officials, chief medical officers, global health leaders, Commonwealth Accredited Organizations, and strategic partners from across the Commonwealth to discuss the future of cancer prevention, treatment, research, and care.
The inaugural CHCF, chaired by the Government of Guyana and led by H.E. Leslie Ramsammy, former Minister of Health and Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations Office, is responding to the findings of the Lancet Oncology Commission on Cancer in the Commonwealth. The discussions are expected to shape the Commonwealth’s collective cancer agenda for years to come.
Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, at the Commonwealth Health Coordination Forum.
The forum aligns with the 79th World Health Assembly agenda on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Universal Health Coverage, the Immunization Agenda 2030, Kenya’s Vision 2030, and the Economics of Health for All.
As Kenya’s representative, Dr. Melly is participating in high-level engagements focused on strengthening collaboration & partnerships, advancing equitable access to cancer care, and promoting coordinated global action in addressing the growing burden of cancer across Commonwealth countries.
To share country experiences and best practices, and identify scalable solutions with particular attention to small and other vulnerable states
To support member countries in engaging with NCDs and cancer ahead of and during the WHA
To explore potential collaboration among member countries, Commonwealth Accredited Organisations, and other international financial and development partners on financing the cancer agenda in the Commonwealth
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) has embarked on a strategic collaboration with Yatharth Group of Hospitals (India), OLCURE, a digital healthcare platform, Fortis Cancer Institute, and Max Hospital, forming a strong multi-institutional network dedicated to improving outcomes for cancer patients in Kenya.
NCI-K, represented by Dr. Nashat Fadhloon Noor, Ag. Head of Cancer Prevention and Control, held a working meeting in India to formalize the partnership and outline priority areas of cooperation, including enhancement of cancer care delivery, digital health integration, and specialist capacity building, as well as to broaden cooperation in cancer management and innovation.
Representatives from the Yatharth Group of Hospitals, Fortis Cancer Institute, Max Hospital, OLCURE, and NCI-K.
Key Areas of Collaboration
1. Enhancing Patient Care & Referral Pathways
The partnership aims to establish a structured international patient support system that enables:
Streamlined referral and coordination for complex cancer cases
Dual-doctor teleconsultations involving Kenyan specialists and Indian oncology experts
Clinical case validation before international treatment
Clear pathways for patients requiring advanced tertiary or quaternary care
This collaborative framework ensures that Kenyan patients benefit from high-quality, timely, and well-coordinated care.
2. Strengthening Digital & Telehealth Integration
OLCURE will support the partnership as the central digital coordination platform, enabling:
Video consultations and multidisciplinary tumor board discussions
EMR-linked digital case management
Patient journey monitoring and follow-up
A unified telehealth ecosystem connecting Kenyan and Indian specialists
This digital approach increases efficiency, reduces delays, and enhances specialist collaboration.
3. Capacity Building for the Kenyan Oncology Workforce
The collaborating institutions—Yatharth, Fortis, and Max—will work with NCI-K to build local capacity through:
Oncology training and skills-transfer programs
Short-term observerships and fellowships
Online CME sessions delivered via OLCURE
Joint academic, clinical, and research initiatives
This will empower Kenyan oncology professionals with exposure to advanced techniques and technologies.
4. Advanced Training, Observerships & Fellowships
Indian partner hospitals will open opportunities for:
Certification programs in clinical and digital health
Robotic surgery training
Cross-specialty surgical and medical oncology skills development
Hands-on training in head and neck cancer surgery and other critical subspecialties
These programs enhance Kenya’s capacity to manage complex cancers locally.
5. Joint Clinical Outreach Programs
The institutions will collaborate with NCI-K to conduct:
OPD outreach camps in Kenya led by visiting Indian specialists
Joint specialty clinics
Planned surgical camps
These outreach efforts will expand access to specialist care across underserved communities.
Strengthening Kenya’s Cancer Care Ecosystem Through Collaboration
The expanded partnership between NCI-K, Yatharth Group of Hospitals, Fortis Cancer Institute, Max Hospital, and OLCURE marks a major step toward transforming cancer care delivery in Kenya.
NCI-K remains committed to forging strategic global partnerships that support prevention, early detection, treatment, and improved cancer outcomes for all Kenyans.
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.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya has commended West Pokot County for the successful implementation of a 5 day cancer screening and awareness exercise at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital, noting that the initiative has expanded access to early detection and prevention services for residents
The screening programme was conducted from January 31 to February 4, 2026 .This provided cervical, breast and prostate cancer screening services, as well as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for eligible girls. The outreach targeted long-standing gaps in access to cancer prevention services in the county, where many cases have historically gone undetected until advanced stages.
County health leadership emphasized that taking screening services closer to communities is key to reducing late diagnosis and improving outcomes. West Pokot County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health, Claire , noted that the exercise aimed to ensure that early detection services reach those who need them most, saying, “When screening services are accessible, we can detect cancer earlier and save more lives.”
NCI-K underscored that late diagnosis remains a major contributor to cancer-related deaths in Kenya and reaffirmed the importance of making screening a routine health-seeking behavior. NCI-K official Chrisantus Wekesa highlighted the importance of early action, stating, “Cancer is treatable and, in many cases, curable if detected early.”
The exercise aligned with national and global cancer control priorities, including cervical cancer elimination through screening and HPV vaccination, and demonstrated the value of partnerships between county governments, national institutions, and implementing partners. Community sensitization activities and a solidarity march in Makutano town further reinforced messages on healthy lifestyles, stigma reduction, and the importance of timely screening.
NCI-K encourages other counties to adopt similar outreach models to expand equitable access to cancer prevention and early detection services, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) convened a stakeholder meeting to establish a National Childhood Cancer Registry to strengthen pediatric cancer surveillance in the country. The consultative forum was held yesterday, 23rd January, in Nairobi, bringing together key actors in cancer data management and clinical care from across the country.
Stakeholders and Cancer Registrars from regional centers
The meeting, chaired by NCI-K Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Elias Melly, brought representations spanning the Nairobi, Nyanza, Nakuru, Rift Valley, Coastal, Central, Eastern, and Northeastern regions, with discussions focused on technical and strategic areas necessary for the successful rollout of the registry. These included a technical session on data variables and standardization, ensuring consistency and quality in reporting across facilities; digital infrastructure and systems integration to support real-time data capture and sharing; and priority research areas and opportunities that the registry will unlock to inform policy, planning, and clinical outcomes.
NCI-K CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, with Prof. Gertjan Kaspers, Managing Director at Princess Maxima Centre for Paediatric Oncology.
Cancer registrars from the regional centres presented the status of their respective facilities, highlighting existing capacities, challenges, and areas requiring support; a practical insight expected to guide the phased implementation of the registry and ensure it is responsive to realities on the ground.
A strong case for an urgent need to develop robust data to improve early diagnosis, treatment planning, survival outcomes, and long-term follow-up for children with cancer was presented by Gladys Chesumbai, the Head of the National Cancer Registry at NCI-K. The sessions benefited from international expertise, with professional guidance provided by Prof. Gertjan Kaspers, Managing Director at the Princess Máxima Centre for Paediatric Oncology. His contribution enriched discussions on global best practices in paediatric oncology data systems and registry development.
The meeting was further strengthened by the presence of leading medical professionals, including Dr. Gilbert Olbara, Dr. Irene Nzamu, Dr. Rose Munge, Dr. Fatma Al-Amoody, Dr. Grace Mbatia, Dr. Doreen Karimi, Dr. Ann Korir—who also serves as NCI-K Board Member—and Ibrahim El Salih.
The planned National Childhood Cancer Registry is expected to be a transformative tool in Kenya’s fight against childhood cancer, providing reliable national data to guide prevention strategies, improve care delivery, and support research and resource allocation. This initiative aligns with NCI-K’s broader mandate to strengthen cancer control systems and improve outcomes for all Kenyans.
