Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology Mobilises Partners Ahead of KICC 2026 to Boost Cancer Care Investment
By Gedion Nzyoki -
- Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology is rallying partners and sponsors ahead of KICC 2026 as cancer cases continue to rise in Kenya
- The conference, set for November in Mombasa, will bring together healthcare experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of cancer care
- Organisers say early sponsorship commitments will offer stronger branding opportunities and deeper engagement in the conference programme
Nairobi, Kenya – April 17, 2026 – The Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO) has intensified efforts to mobilise partners and sponsors ahead of the Kenya International Cancer Conference (KICC) 2026, calling for stronger collaboration to address the rising burden of cancer in Kenya and across Africa.
KESHO, the lead organiser of the annual conference, says enhanced partnerships between governments, development agencies, healthcare professionals and the private sector will be critical in strengthening cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care systems.
The 2026 edition of the conference will be held in Mombasa from November 19 to 21 under the theme “Equity, Excellence and Sustainable Impact in Cancer Care.”
Organisers say the event is expected to bring together hundreds of delegates, including clinicians, policymakers, researchers, patient advocates and industry leaders from across the region and beyond.
According to KESHO, Kenya recorded an estimated 44,700 new cancer cases and 29,300 cancer-related deaths in 2022, with projections indicating that annual cases could nearly double to about 99,600 by 2045.
The society says the trend underscores an urgent need for sustained investment in oncology services and health systems strengthening.
“If need is rising, partnership cannot stay flat,” the organisers noted in conference materials, emphasising the importance of coordinated action in tackling the growing cancer burden.
A photo of Dr. Catherine Nyongesa, KICC 2026 Conference Co-Chair and Founder & Managing Director of Texas Cancer Centre. (Photo: Courtesy).
Speaking on Friday morning at the Nairobi Hospital where the partners breakfast took place, KICC 2026 Conference Chair Professor Fredrick Chite Asirwa said the conference has been structured as more than a scientific meeting, describing it as a platform that connects research, systems thinking and partnerships to improve cancer outcomes.
He said the programme will prioritise community engagement, clinical practice and health systems strengthening, alongside initiatives such as screening and wellness camps, policy dialogue, financing discussions, diagnostics, and workforce development.
“KICC is not only a conference. It is a convening platform where science, systems and partnership meet,” Asirwa said.
Elsewhere, the KESHO President Dr. Gladwell Kiarie said the society, founded in 2002, has spent more than two decades advancing cancer care through education, advocacy, research and collaboration. The organisation currently has over 500 members drawn from oncology, surgery, nursing, pharmacy, nutrition, counselling and other allied health fields.
KESHO reports that it has contributed to more than 115 policy initiatives, supported the development of over 50 clinical guidelines, trained more than 1,000 health professionals and established over 20 partnerships.
It has also conducted screening programmes reaching more than 5,000 patients and remains actively involved in national cancer control structures, including guideline development and screening frameworks.
The society works closely with institutions such as the Ministry of Health, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, and the Nursing Council of Kenya, as well as global organisations including AORTIC, ASCO, ESMO and UICC.
KICC 2026 Scientific Chair Dr Anne Mwirigi speaking during the partnership breakfast said the conference programme has been designed to integrate science, policy and practice in a way that directly improves patient outcomes, particularly in low-resource settings.
She said the agenda reflects key priorities in oncology, including patient-centred diagnostic pathways, universal health coverage, cancer financing, workforce development, survivorship care, palliative care, radiotherapy, imaging, artificial intelligence, precision medicine and prevention.
The programme will also explore cancer care in conflict settings, data use in oncology and strategies for improving services for vulnerable populations.
An Inside Look at the Kenya International Cancer Conference (KICC) 2026 Event Highlights
According to KESHO, the three-day conference will feature plenary sessions, disease-specific tracks, abstract presentations, posters, rapid-fire sessions and awards.
Day one will focus on artificial intelligence, policy dialogue and contributions from international partners, while day two will emphasise implementation science and real-world evidence. The final day will include poster presentations, keynote addresses and award ceremonies.
The conference will also cover a wide range of cancers, including lung, breast, gastrointestinal, gynaecological, haematological, hepatobiliary and urological cancers, alongside discussions on leadership, health financing and translational science.
KESHO says preparations for KICC 2026 will begin earlier with a screening and wellness camp scheduled for November 15, targeting at least 1,000 residents, followed by pre-conference workshops on November 18 focusing on leadership, survivorship advocacy, real-world data and radiation oncology.
The main conference will run from November 19 to 21, with a gala dinner for senior stakeholders planned for November 20.
Sponsorship Packages to Strengthen Strategic Partnerships and Conference Support
The event organisers have also unveiled sponsorship packages aimed at supporting the event, including a Main Conference Partner category priced at KES 7 million, Platinum Scientific Partner at KES 5 million, and Gold Partner at KES 3 million. Additional opportunities include gala dinner co-hosting, exhibition booths, branding sponsorships and event materials, with contributions ranging from KES 100,000 to KES 1.5 million for various categories.
Sponsor Benefits and Early Engagement Opportunities for KICC 2026 Partners
KESHO says sponsors will benefit from increased visibility, engagement with healthcare decision-makers, networking opportunities and alignment with oncology innovation efforts.
Early commitments, organisers add, will secure stronger branding and more integrated participation in the conference programme.
With sponsorship commitments expected by May 30 and final confirmations due by June 15, KESHO says KICC 2026 is designed not only as a scientific gathering, but as a platform to shape the future of cancer care in Kenya and across Africa through stronger partnerships, innovation and shared commitment to patient outcomes.
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