Duale Pledges Government Support as National Cancer Institute Launches Ethics Review Committee

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cancer prevention, research, innovation and specialised training following a visit by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), where he officially launched the Institute's Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (ISERC).

The visit, accompanied by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, marked a major milestone in Kenya's efforts to strengthen ethical oversight of cancer research and accelerate the generation of evidence to inform healthcare policy and clinical practice.

Mr Duale was received by NCI-K Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Timothy Olweny and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elias Melly. Also present were Social Health Authority (SHA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Agency (DHA) Chief Executive Officer Anthony Lenaiyara, members of the Board and staff of the Institute.

The newly established ISERC will enable the Institute to independently review and oversee research involving human participants in line with national and international ethical standards, enhancing the quality, credibility and integrity of cancer research conducted in Kenya.

During the visit, the Cabinet Secretary was briefed on NCI-K's ambitious plans to establish a Biomedical Cancer Research Institute, a Cancer Research and Clinical Trials Hospital and a Cancer Training Institute. The projects are expected to position Kenya as a regional leader in cancer research, specialist training, innovation and clinical trials.

Addressing staff, Mr Duale praised the professionalism and dedication of the Institute's workforce, describing human capital as the foundation of a successful national cancer programme. He urged employees to remain innovative and committed to delivering quality services as the country intensifies efforts to reduce the burden of cancer.

He described NCI-K as a cornerstone of Kenya's cancer control strategy, noting that the Institute plays a vital role in coordinating cancer prevention, research, treatment and policy development. He added that the launch of ISERC would strengthen the production of credible scientific evidence needed to guide national health policies and investment decisions.

Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga commended the Institute for its progress and pledged continued support from the State Department for Medical Services. He challenged the institution to establish itself as a regional centre of excellence in cancer research, clinical trials and specialised oncology training, stressing that investment in research and innovation is essential to improving early detection, diagnosis, treatment and patient outcomes.

NCI-K Board Chair Dr. Timothy Olweny said the launch of the ethics review committee signals a new chapter in the Institute's growth, reinforcing its commitment to ethical governance, scientific excellence and strategic partnerships. He said the committee would strengthen Kenya's capacity to undertake world-class cancer research and support the development of evidence-based interventions.

Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elias Melly said the Institute remains focused on building a robust research ecosystem that supports innovation, strengthens collaboration and contributes to improved cancer care. He noted that the government's support provides renewed momentum towards achieving NCI-K's long-term vision of making Kenya a regional hub for cancer research, clinical trials and specialist training.

The visit reaffirmed the government's commitment to building a resilient cancer control programme anchored on research, innovation, quality healthcare, collaboration and evidence-based decision-making as Kenya works to improve cancer survival rates and healthcare outcomes nationwide.