By Jameson Mutua
Kenya is set to host a major international oncology forum later this year, bringing together hundreds of experts, policymakers and healthcare professionals to address the growing cancer burden and advance patient care across the region.
The 9th Kenya International Cancer Conference (KICC 2026), organised by the Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO), will take place in Mombasa from November 19 to 21 under the theme Equity, Excellence and Sustainable Impact in Cancer Care.
According to conference chair Prof. Chite Asirwa, the forum comes at a critical time when cancer cases in Kenya are projected to rise sharply. Data presented at the conference indicates that the country recorded an estimated 44,700 new cancer cases and 29,300 deaths in 2022, with annual cases expected to nearly double to 99,600 by 2045.
“This is the context for KICC 2026,” Prof. Asirwa noted. “Progress is no longer limited by innovation, but by how quickly it reaches patients.”
The conference, chaired by Dr. Anne Mwirigi and led by KESHO president Dr. Gladwell Kiarie, is designed as a platform to bridge science, policy and clinical practice in oncology.
Dr. Gladwell Kiarie, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Nairobi Hospital and KESHO President, during the partnership breakfast at The Nairobi Hospital.
Organisers say the programme will focus on patient-centred care, universal health coverage, cancer financing, workforce development, and the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and precision medicine. Other key areas include survivorship, palliative care, radiotherapy advances, and the use of real-world data to inform treatment in low-resource settings.
The three-day event will feature plenary sessions, disease-specific clinical tracks, research presentations, and policy dialogues. A dedicated “Evidence from the Field” segment will highlight practical experiences and data from frontline healthcare settings.
KESHO, a professional body established in 2002, has played a central role in shaping Kenya’s cancer policy landscape. The organisation has contributed to national cancer control programmes, treatment guidelines, screening protocols, and the training of healthcare professionals across the country.
With more than 500 members and partnerships spanning government agencies, civil society and global oncology bodies, KESHO positions the conference as both a scientific meeting and a strategic platform for collaboration.
Dr. Kiarie said the event is expected to attract over 500 participants from at least 15 countries, including oncologists, nurses, researchers, policymakers and patient advocates. More than 30 speakers and dozens of sessions are planned, alongside exhibitions and partnership engagements.
Prof. Chite Asirwa KICC 2026 Conference Chair CEO, International Cancer Institute, Kenya.
Beyond scientific exchange, organisers emphasise the conference’s broader impact on health systems. The forum aims to strengthen referral networks, improve early detection and screening, expand treatment capacity, and foster research collaboration across institutions.
Dr. Mwirigi noted that the programme has been structured to ensure relevance to real-world healthcare settings, particularly in Africa. “This is a meeting where evidence, policy, implementation and clinical practice are in direct dialogue,” she said.
The conference will also include community-focused initiatives such as screening and wellness camps aimed at increasing awareness and improving early diagnosis.
Stakeholders say partnerships will play a critical role in achieving the conference’s goals, particularly in strengthening diagnosis, treatment and referral systems. Early engagement by partners is expected to enhance visibility and enable organisations to contribute meaningfully to shaping the oncology agenda.
As Kenya and the wider region grapple with rising cancer cases, KICC 2026 is expected to serve as a key forum for translating scientific advances into practical solutions that improve patient outcomes.
