Today, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya received a courtesy call from a team of cancer research and clinical experts.
The team included Prof. Sacha Howell of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, who leads the Breast Cancer Risk Prediction and Prevention Service and is a Senior Consultant at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. He was accompanied by Mr. Rajiv Dave, a Breast Surgeon at the University of Manchester, Dr. Francis Makokha, Head of the Human Health Research Program at Mount Kenya University, and a specialist in molecular medicine and cancer genetics, alongside Dr. Bahati Riogi, an oncoplastic surgeon at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The meeting, led by the CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, focused on strengthening collaboration in cancer research and data systems, particularly in advancing the national cancer registry and evidence generation.
NCI-K continues to play a central role in strengthening cancer data through the National Cancer Registry (NaCaRe) and in supporting locally driven research. Under the leadership of Dr. Melly, the Institute has prioritized investment in research that reflects Kenya’s unique population dynamics, recognizing that genetic variations across populations—and even across regions within the country—have significant implications for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This focus on local research is critical in generating context-specific evidence to inform policy, improve clinical outcomes, and guide targeted interventions.
NCI-K staff present included Gladys Chesumbai, Head of Cancer Registry; Dr. Joan Simam, Head of Research and Data Informatics; Linet Koskei, Head of Information, Education and Communication; Julius Kibichii, Biostatistician; and Hillary Chang’, Cancer Registrar.
Prof. Howell highlighted his research on endocrine therapy in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, as well as innovative approaches to risk prediction. Among his projects is the creation of platforms that use imaging and serial breast biopsies to investigate preventive measures in high-risk groups. Through these approaches, significant progress is being made in understanding the mechanisms of action and resistance associated with both existing and emerging breast cancer prevention therapies.
Further collaborative research, particularly with scientists at the Manchester Breast Centre, is advancing understanding of how mammographic density contributes to cellular transformation, offering new insights into early cancer development and prevention. It also highlights the strategic importance of partnerships in strengthening cancer data systems, advancing research, and improving patient outcomes in Kenya.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya, today, in collaboration with Implenomics, began a two-day conference on Cancer Community Clinic Linkage (C3LINK), which runs from the 16th to the 17th of March 2026. The Conference theme, Roadmap for Scaling up Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Kenya: Building on the Findings from the C3LINK Project to Inform Sustainable Strategies.
Implenomics is a US and Kenyan-based research institute whose work is to improve health care delivery in the global setting.
Representing the CEO of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, Joan Simam delivered opening remarks at the Cancer Community Clinic Linkage (C3LINK) Conference, highlighting the importance of partnerships in strengthening cancer prevention and care in Kenya.
Dr. Simam emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing cancer burden, noting that according to the Kenya Vital Statistics Report 2024, cancer is the second leading cause of registered deaths in health facilities in Kenya. She highlighted that Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer remain among the most common cancers affecting women, with many cases diagnosed at advanced stages.
She further noted that the C3LINK Project has generated valuable evidence on improving screening uptake, strengthening community engagement, and enhancing patient navigation. The findings, she said, will help inform national strategies to scale up screening services and improve early detection of cancer across the country.
This two-day conference presents a comprehensive engagement from facilitators and speakers spanning the Ministry of Health’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Social Health Authority (SHA), Machakos Level 5 Hospital, and 3C LINK Study Team, County Governments, Meru University of Science and Technology, and Civil Society Organizations, represented by Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO).
Participants following the discussions at the conference.
Presenting on the National Policy and Strategic Framework for Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention in Kenya, Joan Paula Bor from the National Cancer Control Programme highlighted key priorities drawn from the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023–2027. Her presentation emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care as part of a comprehensive national response to cancer.
Dr. Bor also spoke about Kenya’s progress toward the Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan, which aligns with global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
Mabuko Olum delivered a presentation on the implementation of breast and cervical cancer prevention programmes in Kenya, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand access to screening and early detection services. He noted that the National Cancer Institute of Kenya has intensified community-based cancer screening initiatives across the country.
As part of these efforts, NCI-K successfully conducted large-scale cancer screening activities in five counties this year, including West Pokot County, Tharaka Nithi County, Isiolo County, Nandi County, and Kirinyaga County.
Other notable presentations included: Millicent Masinde’s presentation from Kenyatta National Hospital on Navigating the Path to Treatment for Women with Non-Ablative Precancerous Cervical Lesions, highlighting the clinical pathways and multidisciplinary approaches required to ensure timely and appropriate care for women diagnosed with complex cervical precancer conditions.
In addition, Herold Kipkirui (Study Physician – TIBA Team) presented on the Implementation of a Single-Visit Screen-and-Treat Approach Using Thermal Ablation, emphasizing the importance of simplified, patient-centered models that enable women to receive screening and treatment in a single visit.
On Data, presentations from Gladys Chesumbai highlighted the importance of data systems in strengthening cancer control, and the role of data in cancer surveillance through the National Cancer Registry of Kenya (NaCaRe). Her presentation was supported by Lawrence Kimathi from Savannah Informatics, whose presentation focused on Integrated Digital Ecosystems: Linking Cancer Screening to National Registry Surveillance through the EMPOWER Program.
The conference continues tomorrow with further discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships, sharing evidence, and developing sustainable strategies to scale up breast and cervical cancer screening across Kenya.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) yesterday participated in Africa Press Day 2026, a flagship regional convening hosted by Roche Africa. The event brought together leading voices shaping the future of health in Africa—including patient advocates, policymakers, innovators, and more than 40 journalists from across the continent—to explore a critical question: What is health truly worth to societies, economies, and Africa’s long-term sovereignty?
Held under the theme “Health: What’s it worth?”, the 2026 edition reframed health not as a cost or social expenditure, but as an economic driver that underpins productivity, resilience, equity, and sustainable development across the continent. The event took place at Mbagathi Hospital and included a site visit to the EMPOWER Digital Clinic.
Panel discussion. From left: Dr. Victor Kibe, Head of Division for NCD Care in Nairobi County, Dr. Matiko, CEO, Savannah Informatics, Jacqueline Wambua, Roche East Africa General Manager, and Emily Barsito, Head of Partnerships, Resource Mobilization and Strategic Planning, NCI-K
This year’s discussions also placed special focus on women’s health, recognizing its central role in workforce participation, household stability, and intergenerational prosperity across African societies.
A key highlight of the visit was the EMPOWER digital platform, developed in collaboration with NCI-K, Savannah Global Health, and Roche. The platform is a digital patient notification and navigation tool for individuals diagnosed with cancer, enabling real-time data capture and improved care coordination. The system has been integrated into the National Cancer Registry (NaCaRe) to strengthen cancer reporting, harmonize data across facilities, and enhance patient tracking to ensure that no patient is lost along the continuum of care.
The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Moses Owino, Director of Medical Services for Nairobi City County Government, and featured key leaders in health policy, oncology, and digital innovation. Among the panelists was Emily Barsito, Head of Partnerships, Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilization at NCI-K, alongside Dr. Victor Kibe (Head of the Division for NCD Care, Nairobi County), Suzanne Silantoi (Health, Wellness and Nutrition, Nairobi County), H.E. Dorothy Nyong’o (Managing Trustee, Africa Cancer Foundation and First Lady of Kisumu County), and Dr. Matiko, CEO of Savannah Informatics.
During the discussion, Emily Barsito addressed two key issues. First, she spoke on the role of digital health platforms in strengthening the national cancer response, highlighting how NaCaRe and EMPOWER tools enable the government to track patient outcomes more effectively, generate real-time data for decision-making, and support evidence-based allocation of health resources.
Secondly, she discuNCI-K Participates in Africa Press Day 2026
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) yesterday participated in Africa Press Day 2026, a flagship regional convening hosted by Roche Africa. The event brought together leading voices shaping the future of health in Africa—including patient advocates, policymakers, innovators, and more than 40 journalists from across the continent—to explore a critical question: What is health truly worth to societies, economies, and Africa’s long-term sovereignty?
Held under the theme “Health: What’s it worth?”, the 2026 edition reframed health not as a cost or social expenditure, but as an economic driver that underpins productivity, resilience, equity, and sustainable development across the continent. The event took place at Mbagathi Hospital and included a site visit to the EMPOWER Digital Clinic.
This year’s discussions also placed special focus on women’s health, recognizing its central role in workforce participation, household stability, and intergenerational prosperity across African societies.
A key highlight of the visit was the EMPOWER digital platform, developed in collaboration with NCI-K, Savannah Global Health, and Roche. The platform is a digital patient notification and navigation tool for individuals diagnosed with cancer, enabling real-time data capture and improved care coordination. The system has been integrated into the National Cancer Registry (NaCaRe) to strengthen cancer reporting, harmonize data across facilities, and enhance patient tracking to ensure that no patient is lost along the continuum of care.
The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Moses Owino, Director of Medical Services for Nairobi City County Government, and featured key leaders in health policy, oncology, and digital innovation. Among the panelists was Emily Barsito, Head of Partnerships, Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilization at NCI-K, alongside Dr. Victor Kibe (Head of the Division for NCD Care, Nairobi County), Suzanne Silantoi (Health, Wellness and Nutrition, Nairobi County), H.E. Dorothy Nyong’o (Managing Trustee, Africa Cancer Foundation and First Lady of Kisumu County), and Dr. Matiko, CEO of Savannah Informatics.
During the discussion, Emily Barsito addressed two key issues. First, she spoke on the role of digital health platforms in strengthening the national cancer response, highlighting how NaCaRe and EMPOWER tools enable the government to track patient outcomes more effectively, generate real-time data for decision-making, and support evidence-based allocation of health resources.
Secondly, she discussed standardization and equity in cancer care, noting that the National Cancer Control Strategy helps ensure that the standard of care remains consistent across the country.
Through its participation in Africa Press Day, NCI-K reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging digital innovation, partnerships, and data-driven approaches to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient support systems in Kenya.ssed standardization and equity in cancer care, noting that the National Cancer Control Strategy helps ensure that the standard of care remains consistent across the country.
Through its participation in Africa Press Day, NCI-K reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging digital innovation, partnerships, and data-driven approaches to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient support systems in Kenya.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), in collaboration with partners including Texas Cancer Centre, Beyond Zero, Minnovate Afya, the County Government of Kirinyaga, and the Office of the Principal Secretary, State Department for Health and Professional Standards – Ministry of Health, conducted a major cancer screening, education, and awareness outreach at Ngiriambu Primary School in Kirinyaga County as part of activities to commemorate Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
The outreach was preceded by extensive community mobilization and publicity, resulting in an impressive turnout of both men and women for screening services. Notably, Day One recorded a historic milestone — for the first time across NCI-K screening outreaches, the number of men presenting for screening surpassed that of women. This marks a significant and encouraging shift, demonstrating that men are increasingly taking an active role in seeking healthcare services. The high uptake among men was further supported by the use of modern PSA screening technology, a simple process that delivers results in approximately 15 minutes, improving convenience and confidence in testing.
The week-long activity is expected to reach even higher numbers as momentum builds. NCI-K commends the community for this positive response and encourages other regions across the country to emulate Kirinyaga’s proactive approach to cancer prevention and early detection.
In addition to screening services, members of the public received health education and awareness sessions aimed at dispelling myths and misconceptions about cancer while promoting accurate information on prevention, early detection, and treatment options. NCI-K remains committed to reaching communities across the country to enhance uptake of HPV vaccination and cancer screening services as Kenya works toward achieving the WHO 90-70-90 cervical cancer elimination targets by 2030, alongside implementation of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2025–2030.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) participated in the official launch of Kenya’s National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to eliminate one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.
The launch took place during a National Symposium presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, as part of Kenya Cancer Awareness Month. The two-day symposium was held under the theme: “Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination: Strong Systems and Community Action for Every Girl and Every Woman.”
Health CS Hon. Aden Duale during the official launch of Kenya’s National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030.
NCI-K was represented at the symposium by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Elias Melly, reaffirming the Institute’s central role in coordinating and strengthening national cancer prevention and control efforts.
The forum brought together women leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, development partners, and civil society organisations to review progress and accelerate action across the full continuum of cervical cancer care — from prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
This Action Plan is designed to drive progress towards the WHO global 90–70–90 targets:
90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV
70% of women screened using high-performance tests
90% of women diagnosed with cervical pre-cancer or cancer receiving timely and appropriate treatment
The Action Plan prioritises HPV vaccination, early and equitable screening, prompt treatment, and long-term follow-up, in alignment with the World Health Organization’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.
NCI-K remains committed to supporting the implementation of this Action Plan through coordination, advocacy, public education, and partnerships aimed at achieving a cervical cancer–free future for all women and girls in Kenya.
The 90–70–90 targets aim to eliminate cervical cancer by ensuring widespread HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment for all women. In Kenya, the government—through the Ministry of Health—is actively pursuing these goals as part of a comprehensive cancer control agenda. The strategy sets global targets for 90% of girls vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70% of women screened with high-performance tests by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of women diagnosed with pre-cancer or cancer receiving appropriate treatment to drastically reduce incidence and deaths within the century.
Kenya has taken several concrete steps to make this a reality. The Ministry of Health has integrated free HPV vaccination into the national immunization programme across the country and recently transitioned to a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule, which increases coverage and reduces barriers for families. Screening services for cervical, breast, prostate, and other cancers are being expanded through community outreach, county health facilities, and integrated public health campaigns.
Beyond vaccination and screening, the government is strengthening cancer care infrastructure and access. Through the Social Health Authority (SHA) oncology benefits package, millions of Kenyans receive financial support for cancer diagnosis and treatment, including expensive therapies like HER2+ breast cancer drugs at reduced cost under the SHA scheme. More cancer treatment centres—such as regional and county chemotherapy and radiotherapy units—are being established, and modern diagnostic equipment like mammography and CT scanners are being rolled out to more counties to bring services closer to patients.
The government’s National Cancer Control Strategy 2023-2027 provides policy guidance across prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and research, emphasizing county partnerships, stakeholder coordination, and financing to improve access and outcomes. Kenya is also strengthening cancer data systems and population-based registries to inform evidence-based policy and improve planning and evaluation of interventions.
Together, these efforts highlight Kenya’s strong commitment to protecting women and girls and advancing toward a cervical cancer–free future while tackling the broader cancer burden across the country.
The next stop in our nationwide campaign on education, awareness, and free cancer screening takes us to the Northern frontier of Kenya, Mandera County. The institute is leaving no stone unturned, ensuring no region is left behind in accessing information about cancer and benefiting from the free cancer services offered in partnerships with like-minded stakeholders and collaborators, thus ensuring health equity across the country.
NCI-K will ensure all the marginalized communities are not left behind in this fight against cancer; education and awareness are the key factors in these campaigns that ensure the debunking of pervasive myths and cultural misconceptions surrounding cancer.
To ensure this is achieved, the institute has partnered with Superlative Healthcare, a local health care facility that understands the local community better in offering free screening on breast, prostate and cervical cancers as we culminate towards the end of breast cancer awareness month, October, Superlative Healthcare will also ensure that our message packaging are consistent and are culturally sensitive to the local community, thus maximizing our impacts.
The institute is glad to report a positive reception of the local community towards our initiatives in prevention, with women leading on readiness to be screened. With the dedication of the NCI-K staff, guided by its top leadership, the Institute remains confident that these sustained efforts will contribute significantly to reducing cancer incidence in the country.
On September 18th and 19th, Kabarak University and the International Cancer Institute (ICI) co-hosted the 15th International Research Conference, drawing attention to Kenya’s urgent need for improved cancer care. The conference, themed “Advancing Access to Quality Cancer Care and Control,” brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss strategies for combating the rising incidence and mortality rates of cancer in the country.
The event was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor of Kabarak University, Prof. Henry Kiplangat, PHD, MBS, OGW, who welcomed the distinguished attendees. He highlighted the grim cancer statistics from 2022, where 44,726 new cases and 29,317 deaths were reported in Kenya. In response to this crisis, Prof. Kiplangat announced the university’s Master of Pharmacy in Oncology Pharmacy program, the first of its kind in Kenya. Developed in collaboration with the ICI, the program is designed to produce specialized, “practice-ready” oncology pharmacists to meet national and global demand.
The conference featured prominent speakers, including keynote speaker Dr. Mansoor Saleh, MD, Founding Chair of the Department of Hematology-Oncology at Aga Khan University and the guest speaker, Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), who was represented by Ms. Emily Barsito, Head of Strategy, Planning, Partnerships, and Resource Mobilization, as she presented Dr Elias Melly’s speech.
In his speech, the CEO stated that the conference was more than just a forum for dialogue; it symbolized a “joint commitment to preparing the next generation of professionals.” He identified Kabarak University and the ICI as “game-changers” in the cancer care ecosystem.He outlined three key areas of focus:
Training the Next Generation: Beyond pharmacy, he stressed the importance of equipping students in medical, nursing, and allied health fields for roles in prevention, diagnostics, and survivorship care.
Research and Innovation: He called for research to generate local data for targeted interventions, and to develop affordable diagnostics, natural product drugs, and cost-effective care models.
Collaboration with Government: He underscored the need for institutions to partner with the NCI-K to co-develop training programs and pilot new care models.
Concluding his remarks, Dr Melly urged attendees to leave the conference with “action plans” and “partnerships,” and pledged the NCI-K’s unwavering support. “Let us create a Kenya and an Africa where quality cancer care is not the exception, but the norm. The time is now,” he stated, leaving a powerful call to action for everyone involved in the fight against cancer.
A significant meeting took place on September 5, 2025, at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss a potential game-changing initiative: the establishment of a Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC). This new center, a proposed partnership between the Korean government and Kisumu County, aims to address a critical healthcare gap in the region.
The meeting highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated cancer facility. Kisumu’s First Lady, H.E. Dorothy Nyong’o, pointed out that a staggering 80% of cancer patients in the county are currently referred elsewhere for treatment. This not only burdens families with high costs but also delays and compromises care. A local, comprehensive center would drastically change this, making life-saving services accessible to the lakeside region.
Support for the project was strong and unanimous. The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), represented by Mr Joel Owino, and Mr. Elijah Omondi, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the center meets national standards and contributes vital data to the National Cancer Registry. The Kisumu County Health Department and the leadership of JOOTRH both endorsed the plan, seeing the standalone centre as a crucial expansion of the region’s healthcare capacity. Ms. Wairimu Mwaura from the Africa Cancer Foundation also backed the idea, noting that a consolidated centre would streamline care and improve patient experience.
The most insightful remarks came from Dr. George Rae, the former CEO of JOOTRH, who shared valuable lessons from past attempts to establish a cancer center. He spoke of previous negotiations with various international partners and the challenges that stalled those efforts. Dr. Rae stressed the importance of learning from the past to ensure the new Korean partnership is built on a foundation of strong governance and long-term sustainability.
This project represents a hopeful new chapter for cancer care in Kisumu. By leveraging international collaboration and building on the wisdom of past experiences, the new Comprehensive Cancer Centre has the potential to transform healthcare for thousands of people, bringing quality, affordable treatment closer to home.
From 3rd to 5th September 2025, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, convened a three-day National Cancer Treatment Guidelines Review Workshop at Sarova Hotel, Nairobi. The event marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cancer care and improve patient outcomes.
The workshop brought together a multidisciplinary team of experts, including oncologists, oncology nurses, pharmacists, and pathologists, alongside representatives from leading health facilities such as Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH), and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). County representatives from Meru, Nyeri, Nakuru, Mombasa, Garissa, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Kakamega, and Kisumu also participated, reflecting a nationally inclusive approach to improving cancer care delivery.
Graced by the CEO of NCI-K Dr. Elias Melly and the Director-General of the Ministry of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, the workshop focused on reviewing and updating the 2019 National Cancer Treatment Guidelines and the Adult & Childhood Cancer Differentiated Care Packages (2022/23). With GLOBOCAN 2022 estimating 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317 related deaths annually in Kenya, the review aimed to integrate emerging diagnostic tools, innovative treatment modalities, paediatric cancer protocols, and updated costing structures to make cancer care more accessible, effective, and aligned with Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In his remarks, Dr Melly applauded the practitioners for their dedication and excellent work in advancing cancer care across the country. He reaffirmed NCI-K’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the updated guidelines and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among healthcare professionals, institutions, and stakeholders.
Key outcomes from the workshop included evaluating the effectiveness of the existing guidelines, incorporating latest scientific research and treatment technologies, and developing an implementation framework to ensure the smooth dissemination and adoption of the updated guidelines nationwide. The inclusive participation of counties and major referral hospitals underscored the importance of collaboration and collective action in addressing Kenya’s cancer burden.
Once finalized and validated, the updated guidelines will be disseminated to healthcare providers across the country to standardize cancer care, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance equitable access to quality cancer services. This milestone reflects Kenya’s continued commitment to evidence-based, patient-centred, and sustainable cancer care.
