[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":253},["ShallowReactive",2],{"options:asyncdata:$edqCtX92v0:/blogs/nci-kenya-supports-historic-launch-of-kilifi-countys-first-cancer-centre:0":3},{"blogPost":4,"otherBlogs":82},{"id":5,"date":6,"date_gmt":6,"guid":7,"modified":6,"modified_gmt":6,"slug":9,"status":10,"type":11,"link":12,"title":13,"content":15,"excerpt":18,"author":20,"featured_media":21,"comment_status":22,"ping_status":22,"sticky":17,"template":23,"format":24,"meta":25,"categories":27,"tags":28,"class_list":29,"featured_media_src_url":37,"_links":38},683,"2026-06-19T10:09:43",{"rendered":8},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/?p=683","nci-kenya-supports-historic-launch-of-kilifi-countys-first-cancer-centre","publish","post","https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/2026/06/19/nci-kenya-supports-historic-launch-of-kilifi-countys-first-cancer-centre/",{"rendered":14},"NCI-Kenya Supports Historic Launch of Kilifi County&#8217;s First Cancer Centre.",{"rendered":16,"protected":17},"\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) joined Kilifi County, development partners, and stakeholders in celebrating a major milestone in Kenya&#8217;s cancer control efforts with the official commissioning of the first-ever Cancer Centre at Kilifi County Referral Hospital.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The landmark event, hosted by H.E. Governor Gideon Maitha Mung&#8217;aro, was attended by H.E. Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador of France to Kenya, Mr. Amin Mawji, OBE, Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network in Kenya, representatives from the Ministry of Health, county leadership, development partners, and other key stakeholders committed to strengthening cancer care services in Kenya.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The establishment of the Cancer Centre marks a significant step towards improving access to quality cancer care for residents of Kilifi County and the wider Coastal region. For many years, patients seeking oncology services have been forced to travel long distances to access specialized treatment, often resulting in financial hardship, delayed care, and poor treatment outcomes. The introduction of chemotherapy services at the facility will bring life-saving treatment closer to patients and improve timely access to cancer care.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NCI-Kenya played a critical role in supporting the realization of this milestone as part of its mandate to coordinate and promote cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, palliative care, research, and partnerships across the country. Through close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Kilifi County Government, the National Cancer Control Programme, development partners, and healthcare institutions, NCI-K continues to support efforts aimed at decentralizing cancer services and strengthening cancer care infrastructure at the county level.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The launch of the centre aligns with Kenya&#8217;s broader objective of expanding access to comprehensive cancer care and reducing disparities in service delivery. It also reflects the growing impact of strategic partnerships in advancing the national cancer control agenda.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking ahead, Kilifi County has outlined plans to further strengthen the facility by establishing comprehensive oncology services, including radiotherapy through the acquisition of a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) and enhanced breast cancer screening through investment in digital mammography technology. These developments will contribute significantly to improving cancer outcomes through timely diagnosis and treatment.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking during the event, leaders acknowledged the importance of collaboration in making the project a reality. NCI-Kenya was recognized as one of the key partners whose technical support, coordination, and commitment contributed to the successful establishment of the Cancer Centre. The commissioning of the Kilifi County Cancer Centre marks a significant milestone in Kenya&#8217;s journey towards equitable cancer care. The facility brings hope to patients and families by expanding access to quality cancer services closer to home and reducing the burden of travelling long distances for treatment. NCI-Kenya remains committed to working with national and county governments, healthcare providers, and development partners to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and care services across the country.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003C/p>\n",false,{"rendered":19,"protected":17},"\u003Cp>The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) joined Kilifi County, development partners, and stakeholders in celebrating a major milestone in Kenya&#8217;s cancer control efforts with the official commissioning of the first-ever Cancer Centre at Kilifi County Referral Hospital. The landmark event, hosted by H.E. Governor Gideon Maitha Mung&#8217;aro, was attended by H.E. Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador [&hellip;]\u003C/p>\n",1,684,"open","","standard",{"pagelayer_contact_templates":26,"_pagelayer_content":23,"footnotes":23},[],[20],[],[30,11,31,32,33,34,35,36],"post-683","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-18-at-11.54.40-PMG.jpeg",{"self":39,"collection":45,"about":48,"author":51,"replies":55,"version-history":58,"predecessor-version":61,"wp:featuredmedia":65,"wp:attachment":68,"wp:term":71,"curies":78},[40],{"href":41,"targetHints":42},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/683",{"allow":43},[44],"GET",[46],{"href":47},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts",[49],{"href":50},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/types/post",[52],{"embeddable":53,"href":54},true,"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/users/1",[56],{"embeddable":53,"href":57},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/comments?post=683",[59],{"count":20,"href":60},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/683/revisions",[62],{"id":63,"href":64},685,"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/683/revisions/685",[66],{"embeddable":53,"href":67},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/media/684",[69],{"href":70},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/media?parent=683",[72,75],{"taxonomy":73,"embeddable":53,"href":74},"category","https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/categories?post=683",{"taxonomy":76,"embeddable":53,"href":77},"post_tag","https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/tags?post=683",[79],{"name":80,"href":81,"templated":53},"wp","https://api.w.org/{rel}",[83,145,197],{"id":84,"date":85,"date_gmt":85,"guid":86,"modified":88,"modified_gmt":88,"slug":89,"status":10,"type":11,"link":90,"title":91,"content":93,"excerpt":95,"author":20,"featured_media":97,"comment_status":22,"ping_status":22,"sticky":17,"template":23,"format":24,"meta":98,"categories":100,"tags":103,"class_list":104,"featured_media_src_url":108,"_links":109},707,"2026-09-03T04:12:11",{"rendered":87},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/?p=707","2026-09-03T06:18:42","university-of-manchester-team-visits-nci-k-to-explore-opportunities-for-cancer-research-and-capacity-building-collaboration","https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/2026/09/03/university-of-manchester-team-visits-nci-k-to-explore-opportunities-for-cancer-research-and-capacity-building-collaboration/",{"rendered":92},"University of Manchester Team Visits NCI-K to Explore Opportunities for Cancer Research, Training and Capacity-Building Collaboration",{"rendered":94,"protected":17},"\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The National Cancer Institute-Kenya (NCI-K) hosted a delegation from the University of Manchester and its cancer research and clinical partners for an engagement focused on strengthening collaboration in cancer research, screening, diagnostics, training, mentorship and capacity building.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The visiting team was received by the \u003Cstrong>NCI-K Chief Executive Officer\u003C/strong>, Dr. Elias Melly, who highlighted the Institute’s mandate and its ongoing efforts to strengthen cancer control through research, evidence generation, innovation and strategic partnerships.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"759\" src=\"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC_5159-1024x759.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-712\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.349195973329847;width:563px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC_5159-1024x759.jpg 1024w, https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC_5159-300x222.jpg 300w, https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC_5159-767x568.jpg 767w, https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC_5159-1536x1138.jpg 1536w, https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC_5159-2048x1517.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>From left,\u003C/strong> \u003Cstrong>Professor Sacha Howell &#8211; Division of Cancer Sciences; Professor Robert Bristow\u003C/strong> &#8211; \u003Cstrong>Director, Manchester Cancer Research Centre; Dr. Elias Melly, CEO, NCI-k\u003C/strong> and \u003Cstrong>Rachel Chown\u003C/strong> — \u003Cstrong>Associate Director, Integrated Research and Education Strategy, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the \u003Cstrong>National Cancer Registry\u003C/strong>, including cancer data collection, analysis and reporting in Kenya. The team also received a presentation on the \u003Cstrong>NCI-K Cancer Data Dashboard\u003C/strong>, showcasing the latest available \u003Cstrong>2024 cancer data\u003C/strong> and its role in informing cancer planning, policy, research and service delivery.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The delegation was further taken through \u003Cstrong>research projects supported by NCI-K through its Seed Grant Programme\u003C/strong>, highlighting the Institute’s commitment to promoting locally relevant research and building Kenya’s cancer research capacity.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Exploring Areas of Strategic Collaboration\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discussions focused on areas where the complementary strengths of NCI-K and the Manchester cancer research ecosystem could support advances across the cancer care and research continuum.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A key area was \u003Cstrong>breast cancer screening and imaging\u003C/strong>, including strengthening national mammography services, improving screening uptake in rural and urban settings, and exploring the application of \u003Cstrong>artificial intelligence and machine learning in mammographic image interpretation and cancer detection\u003C/strong>.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The teams also explored opportunities for collaboration in \u003Cstrong>lung cancer screening\u003C/strong>, with a focus on generating evidence to inform appropriate screening approaches and strengthening early detection.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other areas identified included \u003Cstrong>histopathology and diagnostic capacity\u003C/strong>, particularly through assessing skills gaps and developing targeted approaches to strengthen specialist expertise, laboratory capacity and cancer diagnostics.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Strengthening Training, Fellowships and Mentorship\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The engagement also explored opportunities for \u003Cstrong>fellowships, mentorship and structured training programmes\u003C/strong> for Kenyan researchers and healthcare professionals. Discussions included the development of \u003Cstrong>online learning modules, short-term training programmes and other flexible professional development opportunities\u003C/strong>.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These areas align with Manchester’s established strength in cancer education, clinical research and workforce development. The Manchester Cancer Research Centre brings together \u003Cstrong>The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Cancer Research UK\u003C/strong>, creating an integrated environment in which basic science, translational research and clinical practice are closely connected. The Centre’s research strategy spans multiple cancer types and links basic, translational and clinical research through a wider network of externally funded institutes, centres and research programmes.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Genomics, AI and Precision Cancer Research\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The discussions further identified opportunities for joint research in \u003Cstrong>genomics, artificial intelligence and machine learning\u003C/strong>, including the use of advanced technologies to improve cancer diagnosis, understand disease biology and support data-driven cancer research.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manchester has significant expertise in \u003Cstrong>cancer genomics and data science\u003C/strong>, with ongoing international research programmes examining the genetic basis of cancer and opportunities to improve early detection and treatment. Importantly, Manchester already has an active research collaboration in \u003Cstrong>Kenya on oesophageal cancer\u003C/strong>, led by Professor Rob Bristow in partnership with Kenyan researchers, focusing on early detection and the genetic changes associated with oesophageal squamous cell cancer.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The teams also discussed opportunities to explore the application of \u003Cstrong>AI in research methodologies\u003C/strong>, including innovative approaches to study design and participant randomisation.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The engagement highlighted the potential for NCI-K and Manchester to build on complementary strengths: \u003Cstrong>NCI-K’s national cancer data, research mandate and understanding of Kenya’s cancer landscape\u003C/strong>, alongside Manchester’s expertise in \u003Cstrong>cancer genomics, precision oncology, imaging, artificial intelligence, clinical research, translational science, education and multidisciplinary cancer care\u003C/strong>.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Manchester Cancer Research Centre is a world-leading comprehensive cancer research partnership, bringing together scientists, clinicians and research institutions to accelerate the translation of discoveries into improved cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Its strong international outlook and existing collaborations in Kenya provide a valuable foundation for expanding research and capacity-building partnerships.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NCI-K and the University of Manchester will continue discussions to translate the areas identified into practical programmes that can contribute to \u003Cstrong>strengthening cancer research, innovation, early detection, diagnostics, workforce development and cancer control in Kenya\u003C/strong>.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>University of Manchester Delegation\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The delegation included:\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Rachel Chown\u003C/strong> — \u003Cstrong>Associate Director, Integrated Research and Education Strategy, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.\u003C/strong> Rachel previously served at the Manchester Cancer Research Centre, where she led training and education and supported international links, academic collaborations, and research-related education programmes.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Professor Robert Bristow\u003C/strong> — \u003Cstrong>Director, Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC); Director, Cancer Research UK Manchester Centre; University Professor of Cancer Studies, University of Manchester; and Senior Group Leader in Translational Oncogenomics at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute.\u003C/strong> Professor Bristow&#8217;s research includes cancer genomics, tumour biology, DNA damage and repair, and treatment response.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Professor Sacha Howell\u003C/strong> is a professor in the Division of Cancer Sciences at the University of Manchester and a leading breast cancer clinician-researcher. His research focuses on breast cancer treatment and prevention, breast cancer risk prediction, imaging and mammographic density, with links to research in artificial intelligence and mammographic imaging.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003C/p>\n",{"rendered":96,"protected":17},"\u003Cp>The National Cancer Institute-Kenya (NCI-K) hosted a delegation from the University of Manchester and its cancer research and clinical partners for an engagement focused on strengthening collaboration in cancer research, screening, diagnostics, training, mentorship and capacity building. The visiting team was received by the NCI-K Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Elias Melly, who highlighted the Institute’s [&hellip;]\u003C/p>\n",708,{"pagelayer_contact_templates":99,"_pagelayer_content":23,"footnotes":23},[],[101,102],4,43,[],[105,11,31,32,33,34,35,106,107],"post-707","category-news-updates","category-partnerships","https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC_5237-1024x683.jpg",{"self":110,"collection":115,"about":117,"author":119,"replies":121,"version-history":124,"predecessor-version":128,"wp:featuredmedia":132,"wp:attachment":135,"wp:term":138,"curies":143},[111],{"href":112,"targetHints":113},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/707",{"allow":114},[44],[116],{"href":47},[118],{"href":50},[120],{"embeddable":53,"href":54},[122],{"embeddable":53,"href":123},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/comments?post=707",[125],{"count":126,"href":127},7,"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/707/revisions",[129],{"id":130,"href":131},720,"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/707/revisions/720",[133],{"embeddable":53,"href":134},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/media/708",[136],{"href":137},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/media?parent=707",[139,141],{"taxonomy":73,"embeddable":53,"href":140},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/categories?post=707",{"taxonomy":76,"embeddable":53,"href":142},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/tags?post=707",[144],{"name":80,"href":81,"templated":53},{"id":146,"date":147,"date_gmt":147,"guid":148,"modified":147,"modified_gmt":147,"slug":150,"status":10,"type":11,"link":151,"title":152,"content":154,"excerpt":156,"author":20,"featured_media":157,"comment_status":22,"ping_status":22,"sticky":17,"template":23,"format":24,"meta":158,"categories":160,"tags":161,"class_list":162,"featured_media_src_url":164,"_links":165},701,"2026-08-14T13:52:50",{"rendered":149},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/?p=701","the-nci-k-frequently-asked-questions","https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/2026/08/14/the-nci-k-frequently-asked-questions/",{"rendered":153},"THE NCI-K FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS",{"rendered":155,"protected":17},"\n\u003Cdiv data-wp-interactive=\"core/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\">\u003Cobject data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/FREQUENTLY-ASKED-QUESTIONS.pdf\" type=\"application/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.\">\u003C/object>\u003Ca id=\"wp-block-file--media-f588684c-c8b2-4c62-b33a-0be4d748438d\" href=\"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/FREQUENTLY-ASKED-QUESTIONS.pdf\">FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS\u003C/a>\u003Ca href=\"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/FREQUENTLY-ASKED-QUESTIONS.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-f588684c-c8b2-4c62-b33a-0be4d748438d\">Download\u003C/a>\u003C/div>\n",{"rendered":23,"protected":17},0,{"pagelayer_contact_templates":159,"_pagelayer_content":23,"footnotes":23},[],[20],[],[163,11,31,32,33,35,36],"post-701",null,{"self":166,"collection":171,"about":173,"author":175,"replies":177,"version-history":180,"predecessor-version":183,"wp:attachment":187,"wp:term":190,"curies":195},[167],{"href":168,"targetHints":169},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/701",{"allow":170},[44],[172],{"href":47},[174],{"href":50},[176],{"embeddable":53,"href":54},[178],{"embeddable":53,"href":179},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/comments?post=701",[181],{"count":20,"href":182},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/701/revisions",[184],{"id":185,"href":186},703,"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/701/revisions/703",[188],{"href":189},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/media?parent=701",[191,193],{"taxonomy":73,"embeddable":53,"href":192},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/categories?post=701",{"taxonomy":76,"embeddable":53,"href":194},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/tags?post=701",[196],{"name":80,"href":81,"templated":53},{"id":198,"date":199,"date_gmt":199,"guid":200,"modified":199,"modified_gmt":199,"slug":202,"status":10,"type":11,"link":203,"title":204,"content":206,"excerpt":208,"author":20,"featured_media":210,"comment_status":22,"ping_status":22,"sticky":17,"template":23,"format":24,"meta":211,"categories":213,"tags":214,"class_list":215,"featured_media_src_url":217,"_links":218},694,"2026-07-09T13:26:16",{"rendered":201},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/?p=694","parliamentary-health-committee-commends-nci-ks-progress-pledges-support-to-strengthen-cancer-control-in-kenya","https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/2026/07/09/parliamentary-health-committee-commends-nci-ks-progress-pledges-support-to-strengthen-cancer-control-in-kenya/",{"rendered":205},"Parliamentary Health Committee Commends NCI-K&#8217;s Progress, Pledges Support to Strengthen Cancer Control in Kenya",{"rendered":207,"protected":17},"\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Nairobi, July 19, 2026\u003C/strong> – The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health today paid a familiarization and oversight visit to the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi, where Members of Parliament received a comprehensive briefing on the state of cancer in Kenya, the Institute&#8217;s achievements, and the implementation of the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023–2027.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Committee, led by its Chairperson, \u003Cstrong>Hon. Dr. James Nyikal\u003C/strong>, was received by the Chairperson of the NCI-K Board of Trustees, \u003Cstrong>Dr. Timothy Olweny\u003C/strong>, and the Chief Executive Officer, \u003Cstrong>Dr. Elias Melly\u003C/strong>, alongside members of the Institute&#8217;s management team.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the engagement, the Committee was taken through Kenya&#8217;s current cancer burden, highlighting the latest \u003Cstrong>GLOBOCAN 2024\u003C/strong> estimates, which indicate \u003Cstrong>35,865 new cancer cases\u003C/strong> and \u003Cstrong>22,888 cancer-related deaths\u003C/strong> annually. The discussion highlighted the growing need for sustained investments in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, palliative care, research, and surveillance to address the increasing burden of the disease effectively.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Committee also received an overview of the Institute&#8217;s mandate, key milestones, and the progress made in implementing the \u003Cstrong>five strategic pillars of the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023–2027\u003C/strong>, which guide Kenya&#8217;s response to cancer through prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, palliative care, governance, research, surveillance, and resource mobilization.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Presenting the Institute&#8217;s status, \u003Cstrong>Dr. Elias Melly\u003C/strong> acknowledged the significant progress made despite resource constraints. He noted that NCI-K has continued to coordinate national cancer control programmes, strengthen partnerships, enhance cancer awareness, support county governments, improve cancer surveillance systems, and advance research and policy development.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the CEO emphasized that \u003Cstrong>insufficient funding remains the single greatest challenge\u003C/strong> affecting the full implementation of the National Cancer Control Strategy and the \u003Cstrong>Cancer Prevention and Control Act, 2012\u003C/strong>.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;While the Institute has achieved remarkable milestones with the limited resources available, adequate and sustainable funding is essential for us to fully implement our statutory mandate and deliver comprehensive cancer control interventions across the country,&#8221; Dr. Melly noted.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Members of the Committee commended the Institute for the notable achievements realized despite financial constraints, observing that the progress demonstrates prudent utilization of the resources allocated to NCI-K. They acknowledged the Institute&#8217;s growing impact in coordinating the national cancer control agenda and pledged to engage relevant government agencies to address the budgetary challenges affecting its operations.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Committee further stressed the importance of strengthening cancer research as a key pillar in reducing the country&#8217;s cancer burden. \u003Cstrong>Hon. Dr. Robert Pukose\u003C/strong>, Member of Parliament for Endebess Constituency, emphasized that increased investment in research is critical to generating evidence that informs cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and policy decisions. He called for enhanced funding to enable the Institute to establish and sustain robust cancer research programmes, a position that received unanimous support from the Committee members.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The meeting also explored the management of Regional Cancer Centres across the country. \u003Cstrong>Hon. Pauline Lenguris\u003C/strong>, Woman Representative for Samburu County, raised the need to strengthen the governance and coordination of these centres and proposed that their management be placed under the National Cancer Institute of Kenya to promote uniform standards, enhance coordination, and improve service delivery nationwide. The Committee noted the proposal for further consideration as part of ongoing discussions on strengthening cancer care systems.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In his remarks, \u003Cstrong>Dr. Timothy Olweny\u003C/strong>, Chairperson of the NCI-K Board of Trustees, thanked the Parliamentary Health Committee for its continued support and oversight, noting that Parliament plays a critical role in creating an enabling environment for effective cancer control through legislation, policy support, and adequate resource allocation.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment between Parliament and the National Cancer Institute of Kenya to strengthen the country&#8217;s cancer response through increased investment, strategic partnerships, research, and sustainable financing. The Institute remains committed to working closely with Parliament, the Ministry of Health, county governments, development partners, and other stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the National Cancer Control Strategy and improve cancer outcomes for all Kenyans.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003C/p>\n",{"rendered":209,"protected":17},"\u003Cp>Nairobi, July 19, 2026 – The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health today paid a familiarization and oversight visit to the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi, where Members of Parliament received a comprehensive briefing on the state of cancer in Kenya, the Institute&#8217;s achievements, and the implementation of the [&hellip;]\u003C/p>\n",695,{"pagelayer_contact_templates":212,"_pagelayer_content":23,"footnotes":23},[],[20],[],[216,11,31,32,33,34,35,36],"post-694","https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DSC_2379-1024x683.jpg",{"self":219,"collection":224,"about":226,"author":228,"replies":230,"version-history":233,"predecessor-version":236,"wp:featuredmedia":240,"wp:attachment":243,"wp:term":246,"curies":251},[220],{"href":221,"targetHints":222},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/694",{"allow":223},[44],[225],{"href":47},[227],{"href":50},[229],{"embeddable":53,"href":54},[231],{"embeddable":53,"href":232},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/comments?post=694",[234],{"count":20,"href":235},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/694/revisions",[237],{"id":238,"href":239},696,"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/694/revisions/696",[241],{"embeddable":53,"href":242},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/media/695",[244],{"href":245},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/media?parent=694",[247,249],{"taxonomy":73,"embeddable":53,"href":248},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/categories?post=694",{"taxonomy":76,"embeddable":53,"href":250},"https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/wp-json/wp/v2/tags?post=694",[252],{"name":80,"href":81,"templated":53},1792071277161]