National Cancer Institute of Kenya

National Cancer Institute of Kenya The National Cancer Institute of Kenya is a statutory body created under the Cancer Prevention and Control Act (No. 15 of 2012).

This was in recognition of the need for a more coordinated health sector response to the growing cancer burden in Kenya

21/11/2025

World Leaders' Cancer Summit 2025: Kenya Secures Historic 2027 Host Rights
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya, led the Kenyan Delegation in attending the World Leaders’ Cancer Summit 2025 in Melbourne, Australia, hosted by Cancer Council Victoria.
The World Leaders’ Cancer Summit, which takes place every two years, provides an important forum to embrace opportunities and secure global, coordinated responses to the challenges faced by the cancer and health communities.
This was also an important moment for the nation of Kenya, as the country was officially given the rights to host the 2027 World Leaders Cancer Summit in Nairobi, the first to be held on the African Continent.
In her remarks after receiving the rights, Dr. Emily Barsito, Head of Partnerships, Resource Mobilizations, and Strategic Planning at NCI-K, extended gratitude to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for awarding Kenya the opportunity after a highly competitive bidding process.
Securing the rights to host the 2027 Summit demonstrates the world’s recognition of Kenya as a leading country in Africa towards achieving Universal Health Coverage, particularly in the fight against cancer.
The summit provided the Kenyan Delegation, under the leadership of NCI-K CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, with an opportunity to maximize its networking potential by convening with influential global leaders, institutions, and organizations dedicated to advancing cancer control efforts, including:
1. The leadership of The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, hosted by Professor Michael Sullivan, a Paediatric Oncologist and Neuro-Oncologist in the Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.
2. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, hosted by Ashlea Gilmore, Director, Partnerships and Enterprise.
3. UICC President, Ulrika Årehed Kågström, who is also a Secretary-General of the Swedish Cancer Society, board member of the Nordic Cancer Union, and member of the Swedish Government’s Life Science Advisory Group.
4. CEO, Cancer Council Victoria, Todd Harper, together with Dr. Andre Ilbawi, Lead Cancer Control, WHO.
5. Prof. Margare Foti, CEO American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Traditionally, the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit partners with key international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), etc, to foster global cooperation and drive progress in cancer control policies and practices.

21/11/2025

This Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, shine a light on by registering for ! 👟✨

Once you’ve registered, keep that light shining for the more than 67,000 people who will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year. Raise or self-donate $67 during November— you can even self-donate while you register!

Your community is waiting for you! 💜 Register today at 🔗 purplestride.org!

World Leaders' Cancer Summit 2025: Kenya Secures Historic 2027 Host RightsThe National Cancer Institute of Kenya led the...
20/11/2025

World Leaders' Cancer Summit 2025: Kenya Secures Historic 2027 Host Rights

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya led the Kenyan Delegation in attending the World Leaders’ Cancer Summit 2025 in Melbourne, Australia, hosted by Cancer Council Victoria. The World Leaders’ Cancer Summit, which takes place every two years, provides an important forum to embrace opportunities and secure global, coordinated responses to the challenges faced by the cancer and health communities.

This was also an important moment for the nation of Kenya, as the country was officially given the rights to host the 2027 World Leaders Cancer Summit in Nairobi, the first to be held on the African Continent. In her remarks after receiving the rights, Dr. Emily Barsito, Head of Partnerships, Resource Mobilizations, and Strategic Planning at NCI-K, extended gratitude to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for awarding Kenya the opportunity after a highly competitive bidding process.

Securing the rights to host the 2027 Summit demonstrates the world’s recognition of Kenya as a leading country in Africa towards achieving Universal Health Coverage, particularly in the fight against cancer.

The summit provided the Kenyan Delegation, under the leadership of NCI-K CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, with an opportunity to maximize its networking potential by convening with influential global leaders, institutions, and organizations dedicated to advancing cancer control efforts, including:

The leadership of The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, was hosted by Professor Michael Sullivan, a Paediatric Oncologist and Neuro-Oncologist in the Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.

1. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, hosted by Ashlea Gilmore, Director, Partnerships and Enterprise.

2. UICC President, Ulrika Årehed Kågström, who is also a Secretary-General of the Swedish Cancer Society, board member of the Nordic Cancer Union, and member of the Swedish Government’s Life Science Advisory Group.

3. CEO, Cancer Council Victoria, Todd Harper, together with Dr. Andre Ilbawi, Lead Cancer Control, WHO.

4. Prof. Margare Foti, CEO American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

Traditionally, the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit partners with key international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the IARC - International Agency for Research on Cancer / World Health Organization (IARC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), etc, to foster global cooperation and drive progress in cancer control policies and practices.

19/11/2025

Pancreatic cancer often develops silently, but early recognition can make all the difference. Be alert to key warning signs such as persistent abdominal or back pain, which may indicate the pancreas is inflamed or compressed; unexplained weight loss that occurs even without changes in diet; and jaundice, where yellowing of the eyes or skin signals blocked bile ducts.
Other symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, or feeling full quickly, as well as pale, greasy stools caused by poor digestion. New-onset diabetes without a clear reason and unusual fatigue may also be early red flags.

Let’s spread knowledge that saves lives. By understanding these signs and seeking medical attention early, we can support early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. Your awareness today creates hope for tomorrow.

💙 Happy International Men's Day: Prioritizing Men's HealthToday, November 19th, on International Men's Day, we celebrate...
19/11/2025

💙 Happy International Men's Day: Prioritizing Men's Health
Today, November 19th, on International Men's Day, we celebrate the positive contributions men make to the world. It’s also a time to focus on men’s health, especially concerning the most prevalent cancer, prostate cancer, which is the leading cancer among men in Kenya, accounting for approximately 14.4% of all male cancer cases.
It remains the most diagnosed male cancer in the country, carrying a significant mortality burden. A key challenge is that a high percentage of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, significantly impacting survival rates. Mostly, this late presentation is often attributed to cultural barriers, misinformation, and a reluctance among men to seek early screening.
Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. We urge all men, particularly those over 50 (or over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer), to take proactive measures and prioritize cancer screening.
This International Men's Day, let's break the silence surrounding men's health. Taking action for your health is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Prioritize yourself. Get checked. Live well.

Join us today at Nation Africa X-Space for a discussion on Demystifying the HPV Vaccine in Kenya.Speakers include: Dr. G...
13/11/2025

Join us today at Nation Africa X-Space for a discussion on Demystifying the HPV Vaccine in Kenya.
Speakers include:
Dr. Grace Kanyi, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Phoebe Ongadi, the Executive Director Kenya Network of Cancer Organization (KENCO), Linet Koskei, Head of Information, Education and Communication at NCI-K, Dr. Charles Main, Obs/Gyneocologyst.
It will be moderated by Hellen Shikanda, Health and Science Reporter at NMG and Wambui Mbuthia, Climate and Sustainabilitynability Writer, NMG.
Do not miss.
Time: 1930HRS - 2130HRS.

NCI-K Achieves Research Institute Certification 🔬The National Cancer Institute of Kenya, has achieved a major institutio...
12/11/2025

NCI-K Achieves Research Institute Certification 🔬
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya, has achieved a major institutional milestone by being officially awarded a certificate of registration as a research institute.
The certification was granted by the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation , in full compliance with the requirements of The Science, Technology and Innovation Act, 2013. This prestigious recognition formalizes NCI-K's role in advancing cancer-related research.

The certificate was presented by Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, the Principal Secretary for Science, Research, and Innovation in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, and received on behalf of the NCI-K CEO by Dr. Joan Simam, the Head of Research and Data Informatics Directorate, who emphasized the significance of the achievement:

"This certification reflects the Institute’s commitment to ethical, collaborative, and impactful cancer research, fully compliant with requirements under The Science, Technology, and Innovation Act, 2013."

This recognition is a major step forward and a stepping stone for NCI-K as the leading cancer institution in the country. The Institute is currently dedicated to collecting accurate data from the ground to enable more rigorous and relevant research.

This effort is supported by the Cancer Registry Department, which has cancer registrars dispatched to all regional cancer centers across the country.
With this official research certification, NCI-K is now poised to transform this rich, accurate data into actionable insights. We believe that the fight against cancer is not far from victory, as this research will provide more accurate, localized information on how treatment and intervention strategies should be effectively tailored.

We are excited to announce that Kenya, through the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, has won an international bid to h...
04/11/2025

We are excited to announce that Kenya, through the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, has won an international bid to host the World Cancer Leaders' Summit in 2027.
The event will be held at the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi Kenya from 24th - 28th November, 2027.
This historic high-level policy event will be the second to be held on the African continent after the Cape Town Summit, 2023. It brings together decision makers, civil society leaders, researchers and private sector partners to shape the global cancer agenda.
https://wp.ncikenya.go.ke/2025/11/04/world-cancer-leaders-summit-2027-to-be-held-in-nairobi/

Together we can fight Lung Cancer! This month, we're focusing on lung cancer awareness, understanding the risks, recogni...
03/11/2025

Together we can fight Lung Cancer! This month, we're focusing on lung cancer awareness, understanding the risks, recognizing the signs, and promoting early screening. Your health matters.

NCI-K Participates in “Stars to Scars” Season II by KENCOTheme: Bridging the Gap: Access to Breast Cancer Services and S...
31/10/2025

NCI-K Participates in “Stars to Scars” Season II by KENCO

Theme: Bridging the Gap: Access to Breast Cancer Services and Support
Venue: Best Western Premier, Nairobi
Date: 31st October 2025

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) participated in the second season of “Stars to Scars”, organized by the Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO) under the theme “Bridging the Gap: Access to Breast Cancer Services and Support.”

The event brought together breast cancer survivors, advocates, clinicians, policymakers, and partners to discuss strategies for improving equitable access to screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care across Kenya.

Dr. Melly represented the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Adan Duale, and delivered his remarks reaffirming the Ministry of Health’s commitment to the fight against cancer — from screening, early detection, and prevention to ensuring access to quality treatment and supportive care. He further assured survivors of the government’s ongoing dedication to strengthening cancer care services nationwide.

Dr. Michelle Nguu, representing the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, emphasized the Institute’s commitment to ensuring access to the right and affordable oncology medicines for all Kenyans. She highlighted strategic collaborations, including the Memorandum of Understanding with Roche to improve access to Herceptin (trastuzumab) for HER2-positive breast cancer patients, and the Pfizer Accord for a Healthier World initiative, which seeks to expand access to quality oncology therapies in the country.

The event was supported by La Roche-Posay, AFRON (African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer), Tax Justice Network Africa, Equity Bank, and The Max Foundation, whose collective efforts are helping bridge the gaps in access to cancer care and patient support.

The Max Foundation shared updates on its Global Access Program, currently operational in over 80 countries and supporting more than 230 Kenyan patients with advanced breast and rare cancers through treatment access, diagnostics support, and transport assistance for patients in need.

“Stars to Scars” continues to serve as an inspiring platform c

31st Oct‎, 2025 - ‎Central Region, Othaya, Nyeri County.‎The nation-wide campaign in commemoration of the breast cancer ...
31/10/2025

31st Oct‎, 2025 - ‎Central Region, Othaya, Nyeri County.
‎The nation-wide campaign in commemoration of the breast cancer awareness month continues as the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) partners with Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital, AstraZeneca, Microbiology East Africa Limited, and Grounds for Health, in Othaya, Nyeri County.

‎This activity is aimed at improving community engagement and promote cancer prevention through free cancer screening services including breast, cervical, and prostate cancer as well as public education and awareness sessions.
‎Also featured are patient journey experiences and survivor testimonials aimed at inspiring patients and caregivers while fostering a deeper understanding of cancer care and management.
‎Throughout these exercises, NCI-K aims to:
‎1. Promote awareness of breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, with a focus on early detection, timely intervention, and preventive measures.
‎2. Provide free cancer screening services to at least 500 individuals from the surrounding community.
‎3. Educate and empower the public on healthy lifestyle practices and self-examination techniques that contribute to cancer risk reduction.
‎4. Strengthen partnerships among collaborating institutions and community stakeholders to support sustainable cancer control initiatives.
‎5. Encourage continuous screening and follow-up care through established community health structures and hospital-based clinics.
‎As we strive to achieve our mission of reducing the cancer incidences in the country, we urge members of the public to take advantage of these free cancer screening initiatives. Remember early detection saves lives, your life matters.

‎On this Mashujaa Day, we honor the heroes who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation, and we proudly recogniz...
20/10/2025

‎On this Mashujaa Day, we honor the heroes who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation, and we proudly recognize our CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, as one of Kenya's modern-day heroes.

‎Your tireless work at the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) is a testament to the true meaning of service. Leading the fight against cancer is a challenge that demands immense courage, empathy, and strategic vision—qualities you embody every single day.

‎We especially celebrate the recent, well-deserved recognition from Huduma Kenya. Your commitment to collaboration and citizen-centric service delivery is changing how healthcare is accessed in our country, ensuring that life-saving cancer care is brought closer to every Kenyan.

‎Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and unwavering hope. You are a beacon of inspiration to the entire NCI-K team and a genuine Shujaa whose impact is measured in the lives you help save and the hope you restore to families across Kenya.

‎Dr. Melly is a true national hero, recognized not only for his medical expertise as an Oncologist, but also for his vision in transforming cancer care access.

‎His leadership as a true national hero in oncology has revolutionized Kenya's cancer care landscape. His efforts are comprehensive, ranging from establisment of the Chandaria Cancer Centre at MTRH, as a founding member, to his commitment to decentralizing care across marginalized counties, successfully leading the opening of oncology centers in Turkana County, Samburu County, and establishing the Kwale Oncology Centre, among others.
‎Furthermore, he is dedicated to empowering homegrown solutions by securing funding for Kenyan cancer research and building the national cancer data registry that provides evidence-based policy direction, ensuring all Kenyans receive the high-quality, localized care they deserve.

‎Happy Mashujaa Day!

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P. O. Box 30016
Nairobi
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