NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Health has launched a renewed national push to expand cancer care access across Kenya, as the country grapples with a sharp rise in cancer-related deaths and late-stage diagnoses.
Speaking at the National Cancer Forum held in Nairobi on Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government is committed to making cancer diagnosis and treatment more accessible as part of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
“We are building a system where no Kenyan should have to fight cancer alone—or without access to proper care,” said Duale.
Kenya currently records 48,000 new cancer cases each year, with over 32,000 annual deaths—figures that continue to rise due to limited access to diagnostic tools, treatment centres, and public awareness.
Dr. Elias Kelly, CEO of the National Cancer Institute, noted that while awareness campaigns have improved, access to quality treatment remains a major gap.
“We need to match awareness with real access—meaning facilities that can diagnose, treat, and support patients without unnecessary delays,” he said.
Call for National Unity on Cancer Response
CS Duale called on both public and private sector partners to collaborate more closely in building a stronger nationwide cancer response infrastructure.
“We are committed to leading this process, but it requires all hands—public and private—to deliver quality cancer care to every corner of the country,” he said.
The forum, which brought together healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies, civil society groups, and hospital representatives, focused on decentralising cancer treatment, investing in advanced diagnostic tools, and training more oncology specialists.
Hospitals like Nairobi West Hospital, already working with the government to expand oncology services, were singled out for playing a key role in bridging gaps in care.
A representative from Roche Pharmaceuticals emphasized the need for infrastructure and personnel to match the country’s growing cancer drug access.
“Policy and coverage must be matched by infrastructure and expertise,” the delegate noted.
Next Steps: Investment, Training, and Public Awareness
The Ministry of Health said it will scale up cancer infrastructure investments under the Social Health Authority (SHA), including more diagnostic centres, improved referral systems, and additional funding for public awareness campaigns.
Delegates also called for enhanced county-level integration of cancer services and better coordination between the SHA and healthcare providers to avoid treatment delays and gaps in care.
