NAIROBI — In a sobering warning this week, Kenya’s top cancer official revealed the country is recording an estimated 44,000 new cancer cases every year, with nearly 28,000 deaths linked to the disease.
Dr Elias Melly, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), made the disclosure during a recent media roundtable, calling the figures “deeply concerning” and urging a national rethink on how the country tackles cancer care.
“We are currently recording over 44,000 new cancer cases each year and around 28,000 deaths,” Dr Melly said. “That tells us cancer is not just rising-it’s here with us, and it’s costing us lives.”
Kenya, like many low- and middle-income countries, is facing a double burden: a growing number of patients and limited resources to respond. While awareness about cancer has grown over the years, delays in diagnosis and treatment remain a major barrier to survival.
Many Kenyans, especially those in rural areas, only seek care when the disease is already at an advanced stage. This delay drastically lowers chances of recovery.
Health officials also point to gaps in infrastructure and staffing. A shortage of oncologists, radiotherapy machines, and testing centres means patients often travel long distances—sometimes hundreds of kilometres—for basic screening or chemotherapy.
Despite these challenges, the government says it is scaling up early detection campaigns and investing in cancer treatment at county hospitals.
Dr Melly acknowledged progress but insisted more needs to be done. “Early detection is our best weapon,” he said. “We need to invest not only in equipment, but in training, awareness, and patient support.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), non-communicable diseases such as cancer are now responsible for more deaths in Kenya than infectious ones—a major shift in public health trends.
Breast, cervical, prostate, and oesophageal cancers are currently among the most common in the country, with cervical cancer alone killing thousands of women each year despite the availability of preventive HPV vaccines.
Some advocates argue that systemic problems in the health sector—like funding shortages and bureaucratic delays—have slowed down Kenya’s response. Others blame lack of political will.
At the same time, non-profit groups and private hospitals are stepping in, offering mobile clinics, awareness drives, and subsidised treatment options.
Still, experts agree: the growing numbers paint a stark picture. If nothing changes, more families will continue to lose loved ones—often in silence.
“Cancer shouldn’t be a death sentence,” said Agnes Wanjiru, a Nairobi-based cancer survivor and activist. “We need to talk about it more, screen more, and fight harder.”
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