The Ministry of Health on Monday convened a high-level National Cancer Forum, bringing together medical professionals, institutional partners, pharmaceutical players, and government officials in a renewed effort to confront Kenya’s rising cancer burden and chart the way forward for equitable, quality treatment across the country.

Presiding over the forum, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing cancer care under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, calling for a collective national effort to tackle the growing crisis.

“We are building a system where no Kenyan should have to fight cancer alone or without access to proper care,” Duale said.

“This battle cannot be won by government alone. It demands an all-hands-on-deck approach from both the public and private sectors.”

Kenya records approximately 48,000 new cancer cases each year, with over 32,000 deaths, making it the third leading cause of mortality in the country.

Experts warn that late-stage diagnosis, a shortage of treatment centers, and inadequate public awareness continue to hamper effective national response.

Dr. Elias Kelly, CEO of the National Cancer Institute, underscored the urgency of bridging the gap between cancer awareness and access to timely care.

“We need to match awareness with real access, meaning facilities that can diagnose, treat, and support patients without unnecessary delays,” said Dr. Kelly.

The conference featured a cross-section of stakeholders, including county health executives, oncologists, cancer survivors, and representatives from major health institutions such as Nairobi West Hospital, which was recognized for its efforts in expanding oncology services through public-private partnerships.

Key deliberations centered on the decentralization of cancer services, with speakers emphasizing the need to equip county-level facilities with diagnostic tools and skilled personnel. Panelists also called for stronger referral systems and greater integration of oncology care into the primary health system.

A representative from Roche Pharmaceuticals echoed the importance of aligning infrastructure with policy, stating: “Access to medication must be backed by functioning cancer centers and a well-trained workforce. Policy and coverage must be matched by infrastructure and expertise.”

The forum also assessed ongoing reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA), lauding progress in streamlining healthcare financing.

However, speakers noted that bureaucratic delays and weak coordination continue to limit patient access to consistent, high-quality care.

To address these gaps, the Ministry of Health announced plans to invest further in cancer infrastructure, expand oncology training programs, and scale up nationwide awareness campaigns as part of its comprehensive national cancer control strategy.

“We are not just talking about statistics—we’re talking about people, families, and futures,” said Duale. “This is a fight we must win together.”