Kenya Advances Technology-Driven Cancer Care Through Strategic Partnership Discussions

Nairobi, Kenya - 6th May 2026 - Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today held a strategic engagement at Afya House with Prof. Eric Ford, Director and Vice-Chair of Medical Physics at the University of Washington and a member of Bio Ventures for Global Health (BVGH), focused on accelerating the transformation of Kenya’s cancer care system within the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

The discussions centred on the growing role of emerging technologies in strengthening oncology care, particularly AI-enabled solutions already in use at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). The technologies are supporting improved diagnostic precision, enhancing clinical decision-making, and improving efficiency in cancer care delivery.

The meeting explored practical approaches to scaling these innovations across the country to strengthen radiotherapy services, reduce delays between diagnosis and treatment initiation, and expand access through a structured hub-and-spoke model linking national referral hospitals with regional cancer centres.

A key area of focus was human resource development, with discussions highlighting the potential of digital learning platforms to decentralise specialised oncology training, strengthen continuous professional development, and build local expertise in clinical research and implementation science.

The engagement also underscored the importance of integrating community health systems with specialised oncology services to strengthen early detection of breast and cervical cancers, where timely diagnosis remains critical to improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Further discussions focused on improving access to oncology medicines through strengthened procurement planning, forecasting, and supply chain systems to ensure consistent availability of essential cancer therapies across all levels of care.

The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing practical, technology-driven solutions that translate into measurable improvements in access, quality, efficiency, and equity in cancer care delivery.

Hon. Duale was accompanied by Dr. Stephen Muleshe, Director of Public Health and Sanitation, Dr. Isaak Bashir, Director of Family Health, alongside other senior Ministry of Health officials.