19/09/2025
Resilient Workforce: Highlights from the 11th Oncology Nurses Annual Conference
Kisumu, Kenya – The 11th Oncology Nurses Annual Conference, held from September 17-19, 2025, at Ciala Resort, Kisumu County, brought together key stakeholders to address the theme "Building a Resilient Cancer Care Workforce." The event, officially opened by H.E. First Lady of Kisumu County, Dorothy Nyong’o, emphasized the pivotal role of oncology nurses in combating the rising cancer burden in Kenya and beyond.
Representing the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, Mr. Joel Owino, Head of Standards and Quality Assurance at NCI-K, delivered remarks on behalf of the CEO Dr. Elias Melly. He commended the conference organizers and recognized oncology nurses as the "backbone of cancer care," serving as the first point of contact for patients. He reaffirmed NCI-K's mandate to oversee and coordinate cancer activities in Kenya, highlighting the importance of building nursing skills to provide safe, effective, and patient-centered care. He noted that this effort aligns with Kenya’s National Economic and Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes universal health coverage (UHC), leveraging digital health, and investing in the health workforce. He urged ONS-K and other health institutions to collaborate with NCI-K on three key priorities:
Strengthening Capacity: By focusing on health education, mentorship, and continuous training.
Improving Systems and Coordination: By enhancing referral pathways and adopting multidisciplinary team approaches to minimize delays in cancer care.
Leveraging Data and Technology: To improve health management and policy-
The conference featured insightful discussions and presentations on several key areas, including:
Capacity Building and Innovation: Sessions underscored the critical need for continuous training and empowerment of oncology nurses in all areas of cancer care, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and palliative care. The conference highlighted how new technologies, such as digital health systems and data-driven approaches, are shaping the future of cancer patient management.
