MPs call for increased funding for cancer research to reduce disease burden

The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health has called for increased investment in cancer research, saying it is key to reducing Kenya’s growing cancer burden through improved prevention, early detection and treatment.

The committee, led by Chairperson and Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal, made the call during a budget oversight visit to the headquarters of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) in Upper Hill, Nairobi.

The lawmakers were received by NCI-K Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elias Melly, Board of Trustees Chairperson Dr. Timothy Olweny and members of the institute’s management team.

During the meeting, the committee was briefed on the state of cancer in Kenya, the institute’s achievements and progress in implementing the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023–2027.

Dr. Nyikal said increased investment in research would generate evidence needed to strengthen cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and policy development.

“Increased investment in research will be critical to generating evidence that informs cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and policy decisions,” he said.

Members of the committee backed proposals to increase the institute’s budget to facilitate the establishment and sustainability of comprehensive cancer research programmes.

The lawmakers noted that stronger research capacity would help improve patient outcomes and support evidence-based decision-making in the country’s fight against cancer.

Later, the committee conducted a separate budget oversight visit to the headquarters of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) in Nairobi.

During the visit, the committee met the council’s Board Chairperson Ahmed Ibrahim Abass and Chief Executive Officer Douglas Bosire, who briefed the MPs on the council’s governance structure, strategic priorities and progress in coordinating Kenya’s response to HIV and other syndemic diseases.