Health Cabinet Secretary has today officialy opened the three-day conference, held under the theme “Innovation and Precision in Radiotherapy,” at Argyle Hotel Nairobi.

The conference which has brought together leading oncology experts, researchers, policymakers and healthcare professionals from across Africa showcase emerging innovations, strengthen collaboration and advance multidisciplinary cancer care.

The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the significant progress Kenya has made under the Fifth Administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), noting that reforms implemented through the Social Health Authority (SHA) have expanded the national cancer benefits package and increased investments in specialised oncology services, making quality cancer care more affordable and accessible.

He said the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023–2027 continues to guide the country’s efforts in strengthening cancer prevention, HPV vaccination, screening, early detection, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, surveillance and research.

Through the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, working closely with the Ministry of Health, county governments, academic institutions and development partners, the Government is building a coordinated and responsive national cancer control programme.

With nearly 44,000 new cancer cases reported annually, the Cabinet Secretary emphasised the importance of early detection in improving survival outcomes.

He noted that cancer prevention and screening are being integrated into Primary Care Networks, with Community Health Promoters serving as the frontline workforce for community education, screening, referral and patient follow-up. To improve equitable access to specialised treatment, the Government has expanded regional cancer centres in Mombasa, Nakuru, Garissa and Kisii while strengthening oncology services at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

These investments are reducing travel distances, shortening waiting times and bringing comprehensive cancer services closer to communities.

The Cabinet Secretary further noted that investments in advanced technologies, including CyberKnife, PET-CT imaging and theranostics, have positioned Kenya as a regional referral hub for cancer care, attracting patients from more than fifteen countries. He said the country is steadily advancing its ambition of becoming a leading centre for specialised oncology diagnosis, treatment, training and research in Eastern and Central Africa.

He added that the Government is also strengthening local production of essential health products and technologies through the Kenya BioVax Institute, strategic partnerships with research institutions and industry, and the broader local manufacturing agenda to enhance national self-reliance and build a resilient healthcare system.

The conference was attended by Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Kisumu County Governor H.E. Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, AFROG President Dr. Catherine Nyongesa and National Cancer Institute Chief Executive Officer.