• The three‑year programme, unveiled at Afya House on February 25, 2026, is designed to transform cancer care by improving access, retention, and quality of services nationwide.

Kenya has taken a step in the fight against breast cancer with the launch of the Integrated Model for Access, Retention and Advanced Breast Cancer Care by the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

The three‑year programme, unveiled at Afya House on February 25, 2026, is designed to transform cancer care by improving access, retention, and quality of services nationwide.

The initiative seeks to reduce the national burden of breast cancer by strengthening interventions across the entire continuum of care from community awareness and early detection to advanced treatment and long‑term follow‑up.

According to the Ministry of Health, it enhances prevention strategies, builds the capacity of healthcare workers through training and mentorship, and introduces structured patient navigation models to ensure individuals move seamlessly from screening to diagnosis and treatment.

“The project will enhance community awareness and prevention, build healthcare worker capacity through targeted training, and strengthen service delivery systems. It will also expand access to timely diagnosis and treatment through structured patient navigation and coordinated referral mechanisms,’ said the Ministry.

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By coordinating referral mechanisms and optimizing care platforms, the programme aims to reduce delays that often lead to late‑stage presentation.

Digital solutions are at the heart of the model. By integrating community‑level tools, the programme will monitor patient progress, identify barriers such as distance to facilities or financial constraints, and support timely interventions. These innovations are expected to improve follow‑up, retention in care, and survival outcomes.

Beyond service delivery, the project will generate critical evidence to inform national cancer management guidelines and policy reforms. Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, encouraged the adoption of a holistic, community‑based approach that prioritizes patient‑centred care while leveraging digital platforms.

The launch comes at a time when breast cancer remains Kenya’s most pressing cancer challenge. It is currently the leading cancer among women, accounting for about 15% of all cases nationally.

Between 2020 and 2023, more than 4,800 cases were reported, with Nairobi and Nakuru counties recording the highest numbers. In 2025 alone, breast cancer contributed 6,700 new cases and 3,100 deaths, underscoring the urgency of interventions.

While awareness of breast cancer has grown, gaps remain. Many women recognize lumps as warning signs but fewer are aware of other early symptoms such as nipple discharge, skin changes, or breast retraction.

This knowledge gap often delays diagnosis and treatment. Access to specialized care also remains uneven, especially outside major urban centres, despite expanded diagnostic capacity in Level 4 hospitals.

The AMPATH initiative signals renewed momentum in Kenya’s fight against cancer and reflects a broader national strategy to strengthen non‑communicable disease management. By combining community awareness, workforce training, digital innovation, and policy reform, Kenya is positioning itself to reduce late‑stage breast cancer diagnoses and improve survival outcomes nationwide.

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