Every year, more than 27,000 Kenyans succumb to cancer, a disease that has now become the third leading cause of death in the country. Despite these alarming figures, many patients find themselves struggling not only against the disease but also within a healthcare system that is still evolving to meet their needs.
The government, through the National Cancer Institute, has made efforts to decentralise cancer care and improve the referral system, but significant challenges remain that demand urgent attention.
One of the most commendable achievements in Kenya’s cancer care system is the decentralisation of services. The government has established regional comprehensive cancer centres and county level chemotherapy units, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to major cities like Nairobi.
These facilities, located in regions such as Mombasa, Nakuru and Kitui, have brought much-needed cancer care closer to home, easing the financial and logistical burdens on patients and their families.
Additionally, the introduction of telemedicine in some of these centres has enhanced the capacity for remote consultations with specialists, improving the quality of care in areas that previously lacked access to advanced medical expertise.
The NCI’s efforts to train primary healthcare workers in cancer screening have also contributed to earlier detection of cancer cases, a critical factor in successful treatment.
However, the system still faces significant challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the problem of late diagnosis. Approximately 70 per cent of cancer cases in Kenya are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when curative treatment is often no longer possible.
This delay in diagnosis is a critical gap in the referral system, where patients may not be referred early enough or face significant delays in accessing specialised care.
Inconsistent quality of care across different counties is another issue that undermines the effectiveness of the referral system. While some regional centres are well-equipped with cutting-edge technology and skilled personnel, others struggle with inadequate resources, leading to disparities in patient outcomes. This inconsistency means that many patients in less developed regions do not receive the same level of care as those in more urbanised areas.
To address these challenges, it is crucial that Kenya builds on the progress already made by further strengthening the referral system. Enhancing the capacity of county level centres to ensure they are uniformly equipped to handle a wide range of cancer cases is essential. Additionally, expanding training programmes for healthcare workers in early cancer detection could significantly reduce the rate of late diagnoses.
The government should also consider implementing more robust financial support systems, such as the proposed chronic disease fund, to alleviate the economic burden on cancer patients. Public-private partnerships could play a vital role in bridging the gaps in funding and resources, ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need, regardless of where they live.
The battle against cancer in Kenya is far from over, but with continued investment, innovation and collaboration, we can build a healthcare system that not only treats cancer but also prevents it. By addressing the existing gaps and building on current successes, we can ensure that every Kenyan has the chance to live a full, healthy life—free from the devastating impact of this disease.
The path forward requires a unified effort from all stakeholders—government, healthcare providers, civil society and the private sector—to create a system that truly meets the needs of all Kenyans. Only then can we turn the tide against cancer and offer hope to the thousands of families affected by this relentless disease each year.
Orthopaedic surgeon and a 2024 Global Surgery Advocacy Fellow
