To “Close the Care Gap,” we must understand the data driving our delivery systems. Based on the 2025 Economic Survey and sector performance:
- Annual Incidence: Approximately 44,000-48,000 new cases annually
- Mortality: Over 32,000 lives lost annually, the third leading cause after infectious and cardiovascular diseases
- Top 5 Cancers:
| Cancer Type | New Cases (2025) | Deaths (2025) |
| Breast | 6,700 | 3,100 |
| Cervical | 5,200 | 3,200 |
| Prostate | 2,800 | 1,300 |
| Esophageal | 4,300 | 4,000 |
| Colorectal | 2,800 | 1,000 |
- Gender Impact: Women are disproportionately affected, with a higher incidence and deaths than men.
- Diagnostic Expansion: There was a 3.2% increase in health facilities (reaching 17,215 nationwide), with significant growth in Level 4 hospitals capable of basic oncology screening. Bed capacity grew by 15,000 in 2025
- The Productivity Gap: While facility capacity is growing, specialized equipment utilization remains suboptimal in some regions due to high out-of-pocket costs.
- Risk Factors: Unhealthy diets, tobacco/alcohol use, physical inactivity, and infections (HPV, Hepatitis B) are primary drivers.
- Regional Cancer Centres: GoK – Garissa, Nakuru, Mombasa, KUTRRH, KNH, MTRH | Private – MP Shah, Nairobi Hospital, RFH Specialist, Nairobi Radiotherapy & Cancer Center, Texas Cancer Centre & many others.
- Human Capital: 83,371 registered nurses and 14,141 medical officers now anchoring the frontline of care.
- Screening Uptake: While facility deliveries and general outpatient visits are up, early cancer screening remains below the 2030 target, representing a massive opportunity for private-sector “Wellness & Screening” packages.
The Private Sector Commitment
KHF members are leading the charge in transforming cancer care through:
- Modern Technology: Investing in world-class radiotherapy and PET-CT imaging to reduce the need for medical travel
- Affordable Financing: Partnering with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure cancer care packages are sustainable for providers and accessible for patients.
- Digital Health: Leveraging technology in early diagnosis for better clinical outcomes
Call to Action
- For Providers: Audit your diagnostic idle time. How can we make screening more accessible to the informal sector?
- For Policy Makers: Expedite the reimbursement of oncology claims to prevent financial burden for patients and debt distress for hospitals.
- For the Public: Early detection saves lives. Get your check-up today!
“We cannot win the fight against cancer in silos. Productivity, Transparency, and Partnership are our strongest weapons.”
#WorldCancerDay #KHFHealth #CloseTheCareGap #KenyaHealth