Kenya is stepping up its fight against cancer through a new push for early detection, stronger healthcare systems and international partnerships.
This comes as governments and global health stakeholders seek to change how the disease is prevented, diagnosed and treated.
The commitment took centre stage at the Nairobi International Cancer Forum 2026, which brought together government leaders, healthcare professionals, cancer survivors, researchers, investors and international partners to discuss practical ways of transforming cancer care.
Held as part of ASCA Week 2026, the forum is anchored on early cancer detection and collaboration, with the Africa Smart Cities and Townships Alliance (ASCA) working with governments and other partners to strengthen cancer services across the region.
Kisumu Governor Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o said the country needs to invest in institutions that enable people to understand the disease, seek diagnosis early and access appropriate treatment.
He said people in rural areas often take longer to seek medical attention, partly because they lack information and access to appropriate diagnostic facilities.
According to Nyong’o Kenya must develop stronger cancer-care capacity locally.
“We need to build capacity inside to do that,” he added.
Jaewon Peter Chun President and Chairman of the World Smart Cities Forum and founder of ASCA, said the alliance’s interest in cancer care was also rooted in a personal experience.
ASCA and Kisumu County are now targeting to establish a Cancer Center in Kisumu, alongside broader programmes aimed at strengthening early detection and medical capacity.
The partnership is looking at screening, training healthcare workers and mobilizingspecialised equipment, with plans for an early cancer screening programme targeting communities around the Lake Victoria region.
About $1 million is being invested in a laboratory at Victoria Hospital, with the facility expected to support early cancer screening.
The programme aims to eventually reach about 300,000 people around the Lake Victoria region. The partners also plan to train local doctors, nurses and engineers and mobilize specialized equipment, including expensive diagnostic technologies.
