Duale: 80 people die daily of cancer
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 17, 2026Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has raised an alarm over the growing burden of cancer in the country, saying the disease claims about 80 lives every day.
Speaking during a forum convened by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya on Thursday, July 17, Duale said the country’s cancer statistics are worrying, noting that a significant number of Kenyans continue to lose their lives to the disease.
He said many of the deaths could be prevented if the country invested more in diagnostic infrastructure to enable early detection and treatment.
Duale cited a recent case at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu, where the installation of a mammogram machine led to the screening of 400 women for breast cancer. He revealed that 20 per cent of those screened were diagnosed with the disease despite having no prior knowledge of their condition.
Cervical cancer treatment plan
This comes days after Kenya also unveiled a new national plan aimed at eliminating cervical cancer, one of the country’s most preventable yet deadly diseases affecting women.
The initiative was announced by the Ministry of Health and sets out clear actions to be taken between 2026 and 2030. The plan comes at a time when cervical cancer remains a major public health concern, particularly for women with limited access to early screening and treatment.
“The Ministry of Health has today launched the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan (2026–2030), a bold, costed roadmap aligned to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 90–70–90 targets aimed at ending one of the country’s most preventable yet deadly cancers,” the statement reads.
At the heart of the strategy is a strong focus on prevention and early care, especially for girls and women who are most at risk. The plan spells out specific services that will be offered free or expanded nationwide to ensure no woman is left behind because of cost or distance.
“The plan prioritises free HPV vaccination for girls aged 10–14 years, expanded HPV DNA-based screening for women, and guaranteed, timely treatment for all those diagnosed,” the statement reads.
Cervical cancer success
The government says the success of the plan will depend on cooperation across counties and strong support systems at the community level. Health facilities, local leaders, partners and families are expected to play a role in encouraging vaccination, screening and follow-up care.
Explaining how the plan will be implemented across the country, Muthoni said it would be supported by stronger primary healthcare and financial protection measures.