Kenya reaffirms commitment to strengthening cancer care

The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, said the country is facing a growing cancer burden, largely driven by the rise in non-communicable diseases and persistent challenges in early diagnosis.

He noted that delays in diagnosis remain a major concern, with some patients waiting up to five months to receive confirmation of their condition.

Dr. Oluga was speaking during the second Artificial Intelligence in Health Workshop held at Kenyatta National Hospital to mark World Cancer Day.

He emphasized the need to leverage innovation and technology to address gaps across the cancer care continuum, particularly in screening, diagnosis, and referral systems.

He highlighted progress made under the Government’s medical equipment programme, citing the installation of mammography machines in 84 public hospitals nationwide.

However, he cautioned that the availability of equipment alone is not sufficient, underscoring the importance of strengthening referral pathways and follow-up mechanisms to ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care.

The Principal Secretary also drew attention to cervical cancer, which he identified as the second most common cancer in Kenya.

He called for intensified efforts in prevention, early detection, and timely treatment, noting that improved outcomes will depend on coordinated action across all levels of the health system.

Dr. Oluga reiterated that addressing cancer effectively will require sustained investment, stronger systems, and closer collaboration between government, health institutions, and technology partners to reduce delays and improve survival rates.