KESHO’s Pre-KICC 2026 Drive: A Call for Greater Investment in Cancer Care

PHOTO: Dr. Gladwell KiarieConsultant Medical Oncologist – The Nairobi Hospital and KESHO President

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 20 – The Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO) on Friday 17 2026 convened a high-level partners’ breakfast meeting bringing together key stakeholders focused on mobilizing action, accelerating investment and collaborative action in the fight against Kenya’s escalating cancer crisis in the lead-up to the upcoming Kenya International Cancer Conference (KICC) 2026.

Held at The Nairobi Hospital It brought together oncologists, haematologists and other health professionals to mobilize action and investment in tackling Kenya’s growing cancer burden.

Themed “Equity, Excellence and Sustainable Impact in Cancer Care.” the three-day conference is set to convene Over 600 delegates, including clinicians, policymakers, researchers, patient advocates and industry leaders from across the region and beyond.

According to KESHO, Kenya records over 47,000 new cancer cases and more than 32,000 deaths each year, while globally, cancer accounts for 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths annually, While survival rates are improving globally due to early detection and advanced treatment, the situation in Kenya remains critical.

Over 70% of patients are diagnosed at late stages, significantly reducing survival chances, Kenya ranks among the countries with the highest cancer mortality rates in Africa many cancers that are treatable elsewhere continue to result in death due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to care.

Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, a significant proportion of cancer deaths are preventable with early detection.

There is a widening gap between global progress and local outcomes  many Kenyan families face severe financial hardship due to treatment costs.

KESHO President, Dr. Gladwell Kiarie while speaking during the meeting said since its inception the society has spent more than two decades advancing cancer care through education, advocacy, research and collaboration with over 500 members drawn from oncology, surgery, nursing, pharmacy, nutrition, counselling and other allied health fields.

“Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology has contributed to more than 115 policy initiatives, supported the development of over 50 clinical guidelines, trained more than 1,000 health professionals and established over 20 partnerships”.

Additionally, the organisation has also conducted screening programmes reaching more than 5,000 patients and remains actively involved in national cancer control structures, including guideline development and screening frameworks.

Professor Fredrick Chite Asirwa, KICC 2026 Conference Chair in his remarks highlighted that the conference has been structured as more than a scientific meeting, describing it as a platform that connects research, systems thinking and partnerships to improve cancer outcomes.

Mr. Asirwa noted that the programme will prioritise community engagement, clinical practice and health systems strengthening, alongside initiatives such as screening and wellness camps, policy dialogue, financing discussions, diagnostics and workforce development.

“KICC is not only a conference, It is a convening platform where science, systems and partnership meet,” said Prof. Asirwa KICC 2026 Scientific Chair

Dr. Anne Mwirigi, KESHO Secretary KICC 2026 Scientific Committee Chair in her remarks noted that the conference programme has been designed to integrate science, policy and practice in a way that directly improves patient outcomes, particularly in low-resource settings.

“The agenda reflects key priorities in oncology, including patient-centred diagnostic pathways, universal health coverage, cancer financing, workforce development, survivorship care, palliative care, radiotherapy, imaging, artificial intelligence, precoision medicine and prevention” Said Dr. Mwirigi.

KESHO noted that the programme will also explore cancer care in conflict settings, data use in oncology and strategies for improving services for vulnerable populations.

Further, the agenda reflects key priorities in oncology, including patient-centred diagnostic pathways, universal health coverage, cancer financing, workforce development, survivorship care, palliative care, radiotherapy, imaging, artificial intelligence, precision medicine and prevention. 

The programme will further explore cancer care in conflict settings, data use in oncology and strategies for improving services for vulnerable populations.

The 3-day conference will feature plenary sessions, disease-specific tracks, abstract presentations, posters, rapid-fire sessions and awards.

Day one will focus on artificial intelligence, policy dialogue and contributions from international partners, while day two will emphasise implementation science and real-world evidence.

The final day will include poster presentations, keynote addresses and award ceremonies.

Subsequently, KICC will also cover a wide range of cancers, including lung, breast, gastrointestinal, gynaecological, haematological, hepatobiliary and urological cancers, alongside discussions on leadership, health financing and translational science.

KESHO says preparations for KICC 2026 will begin earlier with a screening and wellness camp scheduled for November 15, targeting at least 1,000 residents, followed by pre-conference workshops on November 18 focusing on leadership, survivorship advocacy, real-world data and radiation oncology.

“With Cancer cases rising and health system under pressure, the conference is expected to shape policy strengthen partnerships and accelerate access to quality care across Kenya and the region”.