Briefly tell us what NCI-K is all about.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) is a state corporation established under the Cancer Prevention and Control Act No. 15 of 2012. It was set up in recognition of the urgent need for a more coordinated response to the growing burden of cancer in the country. Our mandate is to coordinate the national response to cancer prevention, treatment, and control. Beyond policy, we also support awareness, training, data collection and partnerships.
What can you say has been the outcome of your outreach programmes in sensitising the public on cancer-related issues?
Indeed, we have been conducting numerous outreach programmes to sensitise the public on cancer-related matters. From my perspective, these initiatives have been effective in creating awareness about our organisation and how to access cancer treatment. We have also extended outreach to include cancer screening, which is vital for early detection and greatly aids in effective cancer management and treatment.
Many Kenyans travel to foreign countries for cancer treatment. Does this imply that Kenya is still far behind in terms of cancer care?
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Not necessarily. I can assure you that we have adequate and effective facilities in various hospitals across the country where Kenyans can access cancer care. The issue is more about prejudice and a lack of awareness, which cause many to seek treatment abroad rather than locally. We must also acknowledge that people have the freedom to choose where they wish to be treated. In this regard, some may simply prefer treatment overseas. That said, international standard cancer care is available right here in Kenya.
What advice would you offer Kenyans who are considering seeking cancer treatment abroad?
From my perspective, I would urge those whose conditions can be treated locally to consider seeking treatment here first. People should only go abroad when it is absolutely necessary. Moreover, ensure that the institution you are considering is accredited and recognised by the Kenyan government. There are unscrupulous facilities out there that may not only overcharge but also provide poor or unqualified care.
What innovative measures is your institution taking to enhance cancer service delivery in the country?
We are actively working to improve cancer care in Kenya. For instance, some cancer types remain difficult to treat, and we have partnered with like-minded organisations, such as AstraZeneca to research and find cures. These collaborations help us build capacity and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
How is your organisation addressing the high cost of healthcare for Kenyans?
We recognise the cost burden, and the government is currently working through the Social Health Authority (SHA) to introduce comprehensive insurance coverage for all Kenyans. An ongoing programme aims to reduce care costs. Soon, Kenyans will access quality healthcare through SHA-backed insurance schemes.
What major challenge is currently preventing you from fully achieving your mandate?
The primary challenge we face is funding. We are actively lobbying the relevant government departments to increase our budget allocation so that we can execute our programmes more effectively and seamlessly.
There have been assurances from top leaders that cancer treatment will be free. Yet, many patients continue to struggle with high costs. Why the disparity?
Unfortunately, I’m not in a position to respond to that specific policy matter. Our mandate is to advise the government on cancer-related issues based on evidence. For clarification, it’s best to consult the Ministry of Health or SHA leadership.
Your organisation was established over a decade ago, yet cancer cases continue to rise. Why is this?
It’s true that the organisation has been around for over a decade and cancer statistics are on an upward trend. However, a key difference today is that more people are surviving cancer due to successful interventions. In the past, cancer was almost seen as a death sentence, but now, thanks to our efforts and those of our partners, it is more manageable. The rise in numbers also stems from increased diagnosis due to expanded screening and awareness. In many ways, the increase reflects progress in detection.