The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to cancer prevention, screening and treatment services across the country, emphasizing that early detection remains the most effective way to reduce cancer-related deaths.
Principal Secretary (PS) for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, said breast, cervical and prostate cancers continue to claim many lives despite being preventable and treatable when detected early.
Dr. Oluga said the launch of the mobile cancer clinic in the country marked an important milestone in strengthening cancer prevention and control by bringing essential screening services closer to communities, particularly those facing barriers such as long distances, high costs, limited time and inadequate awareness.
He urged Kenyans to take advantage of available screening services and encouraged parents and guardians to ensure their eligible children receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect them against cervical cancer.
The remarks were contained in a statement read on behalf of the by the Head of the National Cancer Control programme, Dr. Joan Paula Bor, during the launch of the Mobile Cancer Screening Clinic (Clinic on Wheels) and the 15th Anniversary celebrations of the Awareness Cancer Foundation (ACF) at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu, Thursday.
The Principal Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding cancer screening services nationwide, noting that cancer screening and related services are available under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
He said the Ministry of Health and its partners, including ACF, share a common goal of ensuring that every Kenyan has access to timely, quality cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and comprehensive care.
The Principal Secretary applauded ACF on its 15 years of dedicated service, describing the milestone as a reflection of resilience, commitment and strong partnerships in the fight against cancer.
“Fifteen years is not a small achievement. It represents showing up consistently, listening to communities, building partnerships and remaining steadfast in the fight against cancer,” Dr. Oluga stated.
He described ACF which was co-founded by Mrs. Dorothy Nyong`o ( Wife to , Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o) and her husband as a trusted partner of the Ministry of Health, actively participating in the National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Committee, helping shape national cancer policies and strategies while ensuring the voices of patients and communities are heard.
Dr. Oluga also commended Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and Mama Dorothy Nyong’o for their dedication to improving healthcare services and championing cancer awareness, particularly women’s health.
He said Mama Dorothy Nyong’o’s vision has grown into a remarkable initiative that continues to transform lives and inspire communities.
To this end, he noted that the Ministry of Health is supporting these cancer control efforts by providing medical guidance, screening commodities, treatment equipment, health data and certification for healthcare workers.
The PS added that collaboration between the National government, County governments, civil society organizations and development partners remains critical in accelerating progress in cancer prevention and treatment.
Speaking during the event, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, ACF co-founder and a survivor of prostate cancer himself urged Kenyans to seek cancer screening before symptoms become severe, noting that every diagnosis made early greatly increases the chances of survival.
He encouraged mothers, fishermen and other members of the public to utilize the mobile screening clinic whenever it reaches their communities. The screening will be going on through the county in the next few weeks.
The Governor said the launch marked another important milestone in the fight against cancer, emphasizing that scientific approaches focusing on prevention and early detection should guide cancer control efforts because prevention remains better than cure.
“Quality healthcare should reach the people where they are rather than patients travelling long distances to seek medical services, noting that the Mobile Cancer Screening Clinic will bring life-saving screening services closer to communities,”.
Nyong`o also commended the Awareness Cancer Foundation (ACF) on its 15 years of unwavering commitment to cancer awareness and prevention, saying the organization has transformed advocacy into practical action through initiatives such as the Clinic on Wheels.
He commended the foundation for raising public awareness on cancer signs and symptoms, healthy diets and the role of physical exercise in reducing cancer risk, adding that awareness is an important part of prevention, and also recognized the dedication and vision of the foundation’s co-founder, Mama Dorothy Nyong’o, saying her advocacy has inspired many people and transformed lives.
The governor observed that although healthcare is delivered under two distinct levels of government under the Constitution, continued collaboration between the National Government and county governments has strengthened cancer services.
He lauded the ongoing investments in specialized healthcare, including Kenya’s first bone marrow transplant facility at JOOTRH, which he will further strengthen cancer treatment, once commissioned, as well as partnerships aimed at improving treatment for sickle cell disease at Victoria Hospital.
He described cancer as both a health and economic challenge, noting that many lives continue to be lost because patients seek screening and treatment too late, and stressed that sustained public awareness and regular screening remain essential in reducing the disease burden.
Awareness Cancer Foundation co-founder Mama Dorothy Nyong’o said the organization has remained committed to improving access to cancer prevention, early detection and treatment services since its establishment in 2011.
She said the foundation has expanded its outreach to 30 counties, where more than 36,000 people have been screened for breast, cervical and prostate cancers through mobile outreach programmes.
Mama Dorothy said partnerships with Tiba Foundation and Matibabu Foundation had enabled the establishment of the Clinic on Wheels, bringing cancer screening and awareness services closer to underserved communities.
She noted that ACF has established 20 Empower Cancer Centres across Kenya, adding that the first centre was launched in 2019 at JOOTRH while the second was established at Kombewa County Hospital. She observed that Kisumu is privileged to host two Empower Cancer Centres, strengthening access to cancer screening and early detection services in the county.
She expressed gratitude to the foundation’s more than 1,000 volunteers, saying ACF operates with a small skeleton staff and relies on volunteers to support cancer screening, public education and logistics during outreach programmes.
As the foundation marked its 15th anniversary, she called on partners and stakeholders to renew their commitment to ensuring that every Kenyan has access to early cancer detection services, saying greater awareness, regular screening and strong partnerships remain key to saving lives.
JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise said the launch of the mobile cancer screening clinic would significantly improve access to cancer screening services, particularly for people who are unable to afford transport to health facilities.
He thanked the Kisumu County Government, the Ministry of Health, AMPATH, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and the Mama County initiative for their continued support in strengthening cancer care in Kisumu County and the larger Nyanza region.
Dr. Okise said JOOTRH launched the Mashinani Cancer Screening Programme last year, which has since reached more than 20,000 people in different parts of the country, including West Pokot. He noted that the hospital’s partnership with the Awareness Cancer Foundation would further strengthen efforts to increase access to cancer screening and early detection services.
He revealed that construction of a comprehensive Cancer Centre at JOOTRH is underway at a cost of Sh.400 million, funded jointly by the National Government and the County Government of Kisumu, adding that the facility will enhance specialized cancer diagnosis and treatment services.
Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, with recent Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimates reporting 35,867 new cancer cases and 22,888 cancer deaths annually. The most common types affecting citizens include breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.
By Mabel Keya – Shikuku /Mary Auma
