Kenya is staring at a national health catastrophe as cancer continues to ravage families, with alarming statistics revealing that at least 75 people lose their lives to the disease every single day. Experts are now sounding the alarm, urging immediate government intervention to stem the tide of suffering.
According to the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, over 45,000 new cancer cases are reported annually, with a staggering 24,000 patients succumbing to the disease. The high cost of diagnosis and treatment has made cancer care unattainable for the majority of Kenyans, with thousands forced to choose between treatment and survival essentials.
Speaking during a high-level media breakfast ahead of the Second National Cancer Summit in Nairobi, Dr. Timothy Olweny, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at the National Cancer Institute, laid bare the harsh reality: Kenya’s fight against cancer is crippled by chronic underfunding and unaffordable treatment options.
“There’s a very clear link between poverty and poor health outcomes, particularly when it comes to cancer,” Dr. Olweny stated. “Poverty is both a cause and a consequence of this disease. Without proper investment, we are losing the battle.”
Adding to the urgency, the Institute’s CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, demanded stricter regulations to eliminate carcinogenic chemicals that are silently contributing to the cancer scourge.
“We must hold the agricultural sector accountable. Exposure to harmful farm chemicals is one of the leading and often ignored causes of cancer. It’s time to ban substances proven to have carcinogenic effects,” said Dr. Melly.
Currently, the National Cancer Institute is grappling with a major human resource crisis, operating with only 30 staff members instead of the required 300. Dr. Melly emphasized that without sufficient funding and manpower, national efforts will remain superficial and ineffective.
Stakeholders are now pinning hopes on a revamp of the Social Health Authority (SHA), which is expected to make cancer care more accessible through streamlined drug reimbursement and hospital treatment protocols.
With cancer now ranked as Kenya’s second deadliest disease, calls are growing louder for the government to act decisively—before more lives are needlessly lost.
