Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transforming cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, saying ongoing health reforms are making quality oncology services more accessible and affordable for Kenyans.
Speaking while officially opening the 11th African Radiation Oncology Group (AFROG) 2026 Annual Scientific Conference, the Cabinet Secretary said the government remains focused on strengthening cancer care through increased investments, expanded health coverage and advanced treatment technologies.
The three-day conference, themed “Innovation and Precision in Radiotherapy,” has brought together leading oncology specialists, researchers, policymakers and healthcare professionals from across Africa. Organised in partnership with the Clinical and Radiation Oncology Society of Kenya (CROS-K), the forum seeks to promote scientific collaboration, showcase emerging innovations in cancer treatment and strengthen regional cooperation in radiotherapy.
Duale said reforms under the Fifth Administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), implemented through the Social Health Authority (SHA), have significantly expanded the national cancer benefits package while increasing investment in specialised oncology services.
He noted that the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023–2027 continues to guide Kenya’s efforts in cancer prevention, HPV vaccination, screening, early diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, surveillance and research.
Working through the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, alongside county governments, academic institutions and development partners, the Ministry of Health is implementing a coordinated national cancer control programme aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Kenya records nearly 44,000 new cancer cases every year, making early detection a key priority. Duale said cancer prevention and screening services are being integrated into Primary Care Networks, with Community Health Promoters playing a central role in public awareness, screening, referrals and patient follow-up.
To improve access to specialised treatment, the government has expanded regional cancer centres in Mombasa, Nakuru, Garissa and Kisii, while strengthening oncology services at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the expanded network is helping reduce travel distances for patients, shorten waiting times and bring comprehensive cancer care closer to communities across the country.
Duale also highlighted investments in advanced cancer technologies, including CyberKnife, PET-CT imaging and theranostics, saying they have positioned Kenya as a regional referral hub for oncology services. He noted that the country now attracts patients from more than 15 countries and is steadily advancing its ambition of becoming a leading centre for specialised cancer diagnosis, treatment, training and research in Eastern and Central Africa.
The Cabinet Secretary added that the government is promoting local production of essential health products and technologies through the Kenya BioVax Institute, strategic partnerships with research institutions and industry, and a broader local manufacturing agenda aimed at strengthening national self-reliance and building a resilient healthcare system.
The conference was attended by Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, AFROG President Dr. Catherine Nyongesa and National Cancer Institute Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elias Melly.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
