National Cancer Institute of Kenya

11/03/2026

A**l cancer may not be widely talked about, but awareness can save lives. During this Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to learn the signs, understand the risks, and seek medical advice when something doesn’t feel right.

Early detection and timely treatment greatly improve outcomes. Paying attention to changes in your body and going for regular health check-ups can make a difference.

Let’s break the silence around a**l cancer and support open conversations about prevention, screening, and early care. Together, we can reduce stigma and promote healthier communities.

**lCancerAwareness

09/03/2026

Join us for an insightful webinar organized by ONS-K as part of the 2026 Public Webinar Series, focusing on the critical topic of Myeloma Care. The National Cancer Institute of Kenya will be represented by Mabuko Olum, contributing to the discussion and sharing insights on improving care and outcomes for patients affected by myeloma.

Moderator: Mabuko S. Olum, RN, MSc. HEP, Health Economist & Policy A**lyst. Cancer prevention and control officer, NCI-Kenya.
Speakers
Ms. Mercy Oduor
AMPATH Multiple Myeloma Program at MTRH

Cleophas Maiyo
Multiple myeloma survivor

Florence Kandie
Oncology nurse specialist. vice chair ONS-K.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn and engage in discussions that can make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

Register using the link below 👇
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wT_a4apfRc-HJvD3DQvOOA

08/03/2026

Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and impact of women who inspire change in our families, communities, and nation.

At the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, we honour women not only for their leadership and courage, but also encourage them to prioritize their health through early detection and prevention of cancer. Early screening and timely care can save lives.

This International Women’s Day, let us remind every woman:
💗 Schedule regular cancer screenings
💗 Know the signs and symptoms
💗 Adopt healthy lifestyles that reduce cancer risk

When women take charge of their health, they empower families and strengthen communities.

✨ She Inspires. She Leads. She Protects Her Health.

07/03/2026

Officers from NCI-K attended a 2 day National Workshop from 5th - 6th March in Nairobi on Health Research Ethics organized by East Africa Health Research Commission and coordinated by the Ministry of East Africa Community Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Alliance and the Ministry of Health.
The 2 day Workshop's objective was to build a regional capacity in research ethics. This aligns with the EAC's vision of integrated, high quality and people centered research systems. This is significant in;
1. Quality assurance in research and protection of human subjects.
2. Mutual trust among regional and international research partners.
3. Operationalization of the EAC Regional Research Ethics Committee and;
4. Advancement of Scientific innovations guided by ethical and social responsibility.

06/03/2026

NCI-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.

04/03/2026

Today is International HPV Awareness Day, a reminder that awareness and prevention can save lives.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is very common. Most people will get HPV at some point in their lives, often without any signs or symptoms. While many infections clear on their own, some high-risk types of HPV can lead to cancers, including cervical cancer.

The good news is that HPV-related cancers are largely preventable.

Vaccination helps protect against HPV infection.
Regular screening helps detect early cell changes before they become cancer.

HPV affects both women and men and spreads through close skin-to-skin contact. Knowing your status, getting vaccinated, and going for screening are simple steps that make a powerful difference.

Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones.
Choose prevention today.

HealthyKenya

03/03/2026

03/03/2026

March is Brain Tumor Awareness Month.

Your brain controls everything and when something feels off, it’s important to pay attention.

Persistent headaches, seizures, vision changes, memory or speech difficulties, and balance problems should never be ignored. Early medical evaluation can make a life-saving difference.

This month, we stand with patients, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare workers committed to improving brain tumor awareness, early diagnosis, and access to care.

✔ Know the signs
✔ Act early
✔ Support awareness

Together, we can save lives through knowledge and timely action.

02/03/2026

NCI-K PARTICIPATES IN THE PERFORMANCE CONTRACT SIGNING FOR THE FY 2025/26 MoH SAGAs & REGULATORY BODIES.
Today, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) participated in the FY 2025/2026 Performance Contract Signing Ceremony for the Ministry of Health Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) and Regulatory Bodies. The ceremony, held at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Headquarters, brought together senior leadership from across the health sector.
The event was chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, and was attended by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga and Ms. Mary Muthoni, who accompanied the CS. Also present was Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim, Principal Secretary, State Department for National Government Co-ordination in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
In his remarks, PS Ahmed commended the Ministry of Health SAGAs for their commendable performance, while urging leadership to remain focused and committed to continuous improvement. He emphasized that performance is about service delivery, accountability, measurable improvement, and the determination to move institutions to the next level.
The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the national importance of the Ministry’s mandate, noting that the journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) remains a key agenda of the President and the Government, now increasingly visible across counties, facilities, and communities. He emphasized that health is the foundation of national productivity and that performance contracting is not a procedural formality or paperwork exercise, but a solemn covenant with the people of Kenya, a commitment to over 45 million citizens who depend on the health sector to safeguard their highest attainable standard of health.
He further stated that the Performance Contracts being signed represent accountability to the people, stewardship of public resources, and leadership measured strictly by results. Leadership, he added, is not defined by comfort but by responsibility under pressure. Every shilling allocated to the health sector must deliver measurable value to citizens, guided by fiscal discipline, operational efficiency, and innovation. The CS commended the Principal Secretaries, Board Chairpersons, CEOs, and management teams for the progress achieved across the Ministry.
NCI-K was represented at the ceremony by Board Chair Dr. Timothy Olweny; Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elias Melly; Board of Trustees Member, Dr. Benson Nyambega; and Mrs. Emily Barsito, the Head of Partnerships, Resource Mobilization, and Strategic Planning.
The signing of the Performance Contract affirms NCI-K’s continued dedication to delivering on its mandate of coordinating cancer prevention, control, and research efforts in Kenya. It reinforces the Institute’s commitment to transparency, measurable impact, and alignment with national health priorities as the country works toward reducing the cancer burden.
Through this collective commitment, NCI-K remains focused on driving results, strengthening partnerships, and advancing quality, accessible cancer care for all Kenyans.

26/02/2026

Emily Barsito Represents NCI-K CEO at the 7th National Palliative Care Conference
On 26th February 2026, Emily Barsito represented the CEO of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya at the 7th National Palliative Care Conference held in Kenya under the theme “Universal Access to Compassionate & Comprehensive Palliative Care in Kenya.”
In her presentation titled “The Future of Cancer Care – Why Palliative Care Must Be Central,” she emphasized the urgent need to reposition palliative care as a core pillar of Kenya’s cancer response.
Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Kenya, driven by late diagnosis, limited access to quality treatment, workforce shortages, fragmented service delivery, and financing gaps. Currently, approximately 122 new cancer cases are diagnosed every day, while about 80 Kenyans lose their lives daily, translating to at least three deaths every hour. The national prevalence stands at over 102,000 people living with cancer.
With this rising burden, she highlighted the increasing demand for holistic, patient-centred care. Many patients live with complex physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs, requiring services that go beyond curative treatment. Palliative care, therefore, must be treated as a health system priority.
She noted that palliative care:
• Addresses suffering early and effectively
• Complements oncology and other medical specialties
• Improves quality of life, not just length of life
• Enhances patient and family satisfaction
• Supports informed decision-making
Evidence shows that integrating palliative care leads to better symptom control, reduced unnecessary hospitalizations and interventions, more appropriate end-of-life care, and, in some cases, improved survival outcomes.
On equity and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), she observed that many patients in Kenya present with advanced disease due to late diagnosis. In such circumstances, palliative care reaches where cure cannot — making it central to dignity, access, and equity in healthcare delivery.
She further pointed out that Kenya has a significant opportunity to strengthen palliative care, which is fully embedded in the National Cancer Control Strategy, integrating services across all levels of care, strengthening workforce capacity and training, and ensuring access to essential medicines.
In closing, she affirmed that the future of cancer care is compassionate care. Palliative care is not optional — it is essential. As Kenya advances its cancer control agenda, dignity and relief from suffering must remain at the heart of our health system.

25/02/2026

NCI-K was privileged to host Professor Graham Lord, Senior Vice President for Health and Life Sciences at King's College London. Prof. Graham also serves as Chief Academic Officer at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

He was accompanied by Jo Fowler, Deputy Vice President, Global Business Development & Director of Professional Education at King’s College London, and John Guto (UK). The discussions focused on building strategic and sustainable partnerships between King’s College and NCI-K, covering key areas such as clinical trials research, improving quality of care, oncology human resource capacity building through fellowships and multidisciplinary team (MDT) training, establishment of a Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Excellence, development of a Cancer Care Implementation Framework, and biological products manufacturing.

As the national coordinating body for cancer control in Kenya, NCI-K remains committed to fostering high-impact global partnerships that strengthen research, enhance clinical excellence, and build sustainable oncology capacity. Through such collaborations, we continue to advance evidence-based cancer prevention, treatment, and care for improved outcomes for all Kenyans.