Kenya Introduces Screening Program for Early Cancer Detection

In a major push to catch cancer earlier, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has rolled out its updated National Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Guidelines (2nd Edition, 2024), laying out a structured screening programme for common cancers. The plan formally integrates cancer screening into the national health system — encouraging regular checks for cervical, breast, prostate, and other cancers at county-level facilities.
Parallel to the policy update, county governments are stepping up. In Kiambu County, for instance, authorities launched a free cancer screening drive during Cancer Awareness Month, offering tests for cervical, breast, and prostate cancers alongside health education and lifestyle counselling. In Nyeri County, a mobile endoscopy tower truck will travel across sub‑counties for free esophageal cancer screening, in partnership with Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) and other institutions.
Health leadership is also pushing harder on the demand side. Public Health PS Mary Muthoni has called on women aged 25–50 to go for routine screening, particularly for cervical cancer, and emphasized that regular checks can save lives. In Nakuru County, officials noted that national screening uptake remains low — around 16 percent — and are urging men and women to seize free county-based services when available.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Health aims to scale up the screening programme by training more healthcare workers in cancer detection and expanding mobile screening services.Officials believe that combining policy reform, community outreach, and mobile diagnostics will lead to earlier diagnoses, reduce late-stage cancers, and ultimately save lives.