Description
Introduction
Early and accurate cancer diagnosis is central to effective cancer control. In Kenya, however, diagnostic services remain limited and unevenly distributed. Limited investment, infrastructure constraints, human resource shortages, and poor coordination have hampered the expansion of pathology, imaging, and laboratory medicine. This assessment highlights current diagnostic capacity and identifies key systemic gaps that should be addressed to strengthen cancer care.
Method
A multi-site assessment was undertaken between 2022 and 2024 covering 27 public and private cancer facilities, including national referral hospitals, regional cancer centres, and county-level units. Data collection involved structured site visits, stakeholder interviews, and facility self-assessments. The audit focused on pathology and laboratory medicine, diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, and registry systems. Core indicators included equipment functionality, workforce distribution, availability of specialized tests, data systems, and quality assurance practices.
Results
Histopathology services, the gold standard for cancer diagnosis, were available in 8/47 counties, with significant gaps in immunohistochemistry (IHC), molecular studies, and frozen sections. Many laboratories operate with outdated or non-functional equipment, lack external quality assurance, and face shortages of trained staff. Imaging services were unevenly distributed; while some national referral facilities possess CT, MRI, and PET-CT capabilities, most county hospitals rely on ageing X-ray and ultrasound units, often without maintenance contracts. Nuclear medicine remains largely absent. Data management is constrained by absence of PACS, limited laboratory information systems, and poor integration with cancer registries. Long turnaround times for pathology and imaging, frequent stockouts of consumables, and absence of paediatric sedation facilities further compromise diagnostic capacity.
Conclusion
Kenya’s cancer diagnostic ecosystem faces critical gaps in infrastructure, skilled workforce, quality systems, and information management. Addressing these challenges requires investments in equipment, workforce training, digital data platforms, and sustainable financing mechanisms. Strengthening diagnostic capacity across all tiers of the health system is essential to achieving equitable and timely cancer care.
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Government of Kenya |
| Position | Program Officer |
| Received a Grant? | No |
