By Nyang’au Araka
For many Kenyans diagnosed with cancer, the journey begins with fear, uncertainty and, often, limited access to screening or specialist care.
Fifteen years ago, a group of advocates led by cancer survivors set out to change that reality, determined that no Kenyan should face the disease alone.
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That mission took centre stage as the Africa Cancer Foundation (ACF) celebrated 15 years of impact on Friday and launched an ambitious campaign to secure the future of cancer care and advocacy in Kenya.
The Foundation marked the milestone at a gala anniversary brunch in Nairobi, where it unveiled its Endowment Campaign aimed at raising between Sh15 million and Sh30 million towards a long-term fund that will support cancer prevention, screening, early detection, patient support and advocacy programmes.
Held under the theme “Own Your Cancer Story,” the event brought together cancer survivors, medical experts, donors, policymakers and health sector stakeholders to reflect on the Foundation’s achievements and chart the next chapter in Kenya’s fight against cancer.
Speaking during the event, ACF Chairperson and prostate cancer survivor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o said the organisation was founded to ensure that vulnerable patients are not left to battle cancer on their own.
“For 15 years, we have pursued a simple but urgent mission: advocacy that changes systems and service that touches lives,” said Prof. Nyong’o, who is the Governor of Kisumu County.
“As we mark this milestone under the theme ‘Own Your Cancer Story’, Kenya must invest more in awareness, screening and early detection, because when cancer is found early, lives can be saved and hope can be delivered on time.”
Drawing from his personal experience with cancer, Prof. Nyong’o said the Foundation has remained committed to supporting Kenyans who lack access to specialists, information and financial resources needed for treatment.
The anniversary comes at a time when cancer continues to place a heavy burden on thousands of Kenyan families, highlighting the need for increased public awareness, routine screening and stronger support systems for patients and caregivers.
As part of the celebrations, ACF deployed its Clinic on Wheels, a mobile cancer screening unit funded by Tiba Foundation.
The clinic provided breast and cervical cancer screening for women, prostate cancer screening for men aged 40 years and above, HPV testing and ultrasound services.
Dr. Gladwell Kiarie, Consultant Medical Oncologist and President of the Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology, said expanding access to screening remains one of the most effective ways of reducing cancer-related deaths.
“Early detection changes the course of cancer care. When cancer is found early, treatment is simpler, outcomes are better and lives are saved,” she said.
“Cancer care is a shared responsibility, and stronger partnerships are essential to ensure no Kenyan is left behind because of where they live or what they can afford.”
Over the past 15 years, ACF has screened more than 35,000 women and men for breast, cervical and prostate cancer in 27 counties and helped establish 19 EMPOWER Clinics in 18 counties to expand access to screening services.
Through the newly launched Endowment Campaign, the Foundation is seeking support from individuals, corporations, philanthropists and institutions to sustain and expand community screening, volunteer training, awareness campaigns and patient referral services.
The event also recognised survivors, volunteers, staff and strategic partners whose contributions have shaped ACF’s journey, with Tiba Foundation receiving the Strategic Partner of the Year Award for its support, including funding the Clinic on Wheels and an ultrasound machine.
