Kenya Pushes for Global Partnership to Expand Cancer Care as CS Duale Addresses IAEA Forum in Vienna
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to life-saving cancer care through international collaboration and strengthened health systems.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made the remarks on the second day of the 70th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, Austria, where he addressed delegates at the Scientific Forum.
In his address, CS Duale highlighted Kenya’s progress in turning ambition into tangible health outcomes.
“On the second day of the 70th IAEA General Conference, I addressed delegates at the Scientific Forum, highlighting Kenya’s progress in turning ambition into life-saving cancer care,” Duale stated.
On the second day of the 70th IAEA General Conference, I addressed delegates at the Scientific Forum, highlighting Kenya’s progress in turning ambition into life-saving cancer care.
With more than 35,000 new cancer cases and nearly 23,000 deaths annually, Kenya is strengthening… pic.twitter.com/DZFRooV21G
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) September 15, 2026
He noted that Kenya records more than 35,000 new cancer cases and nearly 23,000 deaths annually, a burden that has pushed the government to strengthen Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“With more than 35,000 new cancer cases and nearly 23,000 deaths annually, Kenya is strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with more than 32 million people enrolled under the Social Health Authority (SHA), providing access to fully covered cancer screening and oncology care,” he said.
The CS credited the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative for significantly boosting Kenya’s treatment capacity. Through Agency-donated Linear Accelerators, regional cancer centres in Nakuru and Mombasa have been established.
“Through the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, Agency-donated Linear Accelerators have enabled regional cancer centres in Nakuru and Mombasa, bringing specialised treatment closer to patients. The two centres now serve up to 150 patients daily and have delivered more than 70,000 radiotherapy sessions,” Duale said.
He added that Kenya has also expanded its nuclear medicine capacity, with six operational programmes and advanced theragnostic treatment for prostate cancer.
“Kenya has also expanded its nuclear medicine capacity, with six operational programmes and advanced theragnostic treatment for prostate cancer, supported by a growing skilled workforce trained through IAEA fellowships and expert missions,” he noted.
Looking ahead, the CS said the government plans to establish six more regional cancer centres and called for continued international partnership.
“Looking ahead, we plan to establish six more regional cancer centres and called for continued international partnership and co-investment to close Africa’s diagnostic and treatment gaps,” he said.
He emphasized that Kenya is building a scalable model that turns cooperation into hope.
“Through digital health and sustainable health financing, Kenya is building a scalable model of cancer care that turns global cooperation into tangible hope for patients,” Duale stated.
The forum was steered by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and attended by Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund for International Development, Deogratius Ndejembi, Vice President of Tanzania, alongside Ministers of Health, Energy, Education and ICT from various member states.
CS Duale was joined by Amb. Edwin Afande, PS Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo and Amb. Valerie Rugene.
