Kenya Eyes AI-Powered Revolution in Cancer Care After High-Level Afya House Talks

Kenya is accelerating an ambitious overhaul of its cancer care system, placing artificial intelligence and strategic global partnerships at the center of efforts to improve access, quality, and equity in treatment.

This renewed push follows a high-level meeting between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and renowned oncology expert Eric Ford at Afya House, where policymakers and health specialists mapped out practical steps to transform cancer care under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

Prof. Ford, who serves as Director and Vice-Chair of Medical Physics at the University of Washington and is a member of Bio Ventures for Global Health, joined senior Ministry of Health officials in discussions aimed at bridging long-standing gaps in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

At the heart of the talks was the growing role of artificial intelligence in oncology. Officials highlighted that AI-powered technologies already deployed at Kenyatta National Hospital are helping clinicians detect cancers earlier, improve diagnostic precision, and guide treatment decisions more effectively. These tools are also enhancing efficiency in overwhelmed oncology units, where patient demand continues to rise.

“Technology is no longer optional in healthcare—it is essential,” a senior official noted during the meeting, underscoring the government’s commitment to scaling up digital solutions across the health system.

Tackling Delays and Expanding Treatment Capacity

Beyond technology, the meeting addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing cancer patients in Kenya: delays between diagnosis and treatment. Stakeholders acknowledged that limited radiotherapy infrastructure and specialist shortages have contributed to prolonged waiting times, often worsening patient outcomes.

To address this, the team explored pathways to expand radiotherapy services nationwide, including investments in new equipment and better distribution of existing resources. A proposed hub-and-spoke model is expected to play a central role, linking national referral hospitals with regional and county-level cancer centres to ensure patients receive timely care closer to home.

This approach is also expected to strengthen referral systems, reducing congestion at major facilities while improving coordination across different levels of care.

Building Skills, Strengthening Research

Recognizing that technology alone cannot transform healthcare, the discussions placed strong emphasis on workforce development and research capacity. Plans are underway to introduce digital learning platforms that will support specialized oncology training for healthcare professionals across the country.

Participants also highlighted the need to strengthen local expertise in clinical research, enabling Kenya to generate homegrown solutions and contribute more actively to global cancer studies.

Early detection emerged as another priority area, with officials advocating for deeper integration of cancer screening into community health systems. By empowering community health workers and expanding awareness campaigns, the government hopes to identify cases earlier—when treatment is more effective and less costly.

Improving Access to Life-Saving Medicines

Access to essential oncology medicines remains a critical concern, with supply chain inefficiencies often leading to shortages or delays. The meeting called for stronger procurement systems and better coordination across national and county governments to ensure a consistent supply of cancer drugs.

Officials emphasized that improving medicine availability is key to achieving equitable cancer care, particularly for patients in underserved regions.

Whole-of-Government Commitment

The meeting brought together top health officials, including Director of Public Health and Sanitation Dr. Stephen Muleshe, Director of Family Health Dr. Isaak Bashir, and National Cancer Institute CEO Dr. Elias Melly, reflecting a whole-of-government approach to tackling the cancer burden.

The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to implement practical, technology-driven interventions that can be scaled across the country. For Kenya, the integration of AI, infrastructure expansion, and workforce development signals a new phase in the fight against cancer—one aimed at delivering faster diagnoses, more effective treatments, and better outcomes for patients nationwide.

As the country advances toward Universal Health Coverage, the outcomes of the Afya House meeting could mark a turning point in how cancer care is delivered—bringing hope to thousands of patients and families affected by the disease.