NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Health has launched a major public health initiative, rolling out free cancer screening services across 15 counties in an effort to detect the disease earlier and reduce the nation's rising cancer mortality rate.
The programme, funded through a combination of government allocations and partnerships with international health organisations, will offer screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer — the three most prevalent forms of the disease in Kenya.
Why It Matters
Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, with over 47,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Health experts say that late detection is the single biggest driver of poor outcomes, with many patients not presenting for treatment until the disease is at an advanced stage.
"If we can shift detection from Stage 3 and 4 to Stage 1 and 2, we can save tens of thousands of lives every year. That is the goal of this programme."
— Dr. Alice Mwangi, Director of Public Health
The 15 counties selected for the first phase include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Meru, Kilifi, Machakos, Nyeri, Kakamega, Bungoma, Kisii, Migori, Garissa, and Turkana — a mix of high-population urban centres and underserved rural counties.
The programme will run for six months initially, with a review conducted before a decision is made on nationwide expansion. Mobile screening units will be deployed to reach communities far from hospital facilities.
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