KESHO Ramps Up Pre-KICC 2026 Push Amid Rising Cancer Burden
The Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO) is stepping up efforts to drive investment and coordination in cancer care ahead of the Kenya International Cancer Conference (KICC) 2026
At a partners’ breakfast meeting held at The Nairobi Hospital, oncologists, haematologists and key health stakeholders met to align priorities as the country faces a growing cancer burden.
KESHO is positioning the conference as a working platform with over 600 expected delegates drawn from policy, clinical practice, research and industry.
Kenya continues to record over 47,000 new cancer cases annually, with deaths exceeding 32,000. Most patients are still diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting survival chances. This stands in contrast to global trends where early detection and improved treatment continue to reduce mortality.
Cancer remains among the leading causes of death in Kenya, with a significant share of cases considered manageable if detected early. However, access gaps, delayed diagnosis and high treatment costs continue to shape outcomes.
KESHO President Dr. Gladwell Kiarie said the society has focused on strengthening cancer care through policy engagement, training and collaboration across health disciplines.
The organisation has contributed to policy development, clinical guidelines and workforce training, while building partnerships across the sector.
KICC 2026 Conference Chair Prof. Fredrick Chite Asirwa said the conference is designed to connect research, health systems and partnerships in a way that drives impact beyond discussion.
He said the programme will focus on key areas including diagnostics, financing, workforce capacity and service delivery, alongside emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and precision medicine.
KESHO Secretary and Scientific Committee Chair Dr. Anne Mwirigi said the structure of the conference links policy, science and clinical practice, with attention on improving outcomes in low-resource settings.
The conference will also address cancer care in conflict settings, data use in oncology and strategies targeting vulnerable populations.
KESHO has also scheduled a screening and wellness camp in November targeting at least 1,000 people, followed by pre-conference workshops focused on leadership, advocacy and technical areas in oncology.
With cases rising and the health system under pressure, KESHO is using the conference to push for alignment on funding, policy and delivery of cancer care.