Zimbabwe Ministry of Health Delegation Benchmarks Kenya’s Oncology Ecosystem

A high-level delegation from the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health visited Kenya on a benchmarking mission hosted by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI–Kenya). The visit aimed to understand how Kenya has strengthened its cancer care systems and fostered collaboration across government, civil society, the private sector and professional associations.

The Zimbabwean team focused on learning how Kenya has built a cohesive oncology ecosystem; particularly in national guideline development, the role of professional societies in workforce training and how various stakeholders work together to improve cancer outcomes. They also expressed interest in how Kenya has successfully integrated technology, capacity building and research into routine cancer care.

KESHO, represented by Dr. Anne Mwirigi (Secretary General) and Dr. Peter Oyiro (Treasurer), highlighted its multifaceted contribution to advancing cancer care in Kenya and the region. Dr. Oyiro outlined KESHO’s flagship programs including:

• weekly virtual Continuing Medical Education sessions attracting participants from across Africa
• the biennial Kenya International Cancer Conference and
• ongoing research initiatives in breast cancer, survivorship and penile cancer.

He also emphasized KESHO’s commitment to community outreach through cancer screening and treatment camps targeting underserved communities.

Responding to a question on technology adoption in oncology, Dr. Oyiro explained that KESHO “conducts health technology assessments to provide evidence-based professional input,” helping guide safe, effective and context-appropriate adoption of new technologies in Kenya.

Dr. Anne Mwirigi highlighted KESHO’s strong collaborations with the diaspora, noting that these partnerships enrich local oncology practice. She explained that KESHO regularly invites diaspora oncology specialists to give CME talks, supports local doctors in navigating specialized training pathways and facilitates opportunities for diaspora professionals to bring their skills home to train Kenyan clinicians. Additionally, the diaspora community provides linkages to international experts who contribute to both CMEs and the Kenya International Cancer Conference, strengthening global-local knowledge exchange.

Key outcomes of the visit included a shared commitment to leverage the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of Kenya and Zimbabwe to enhance oncology collaboration. Zimbabwe also expressed interest in Kenya’s support as they explore establishing their own National Cancer Institute and a national professional oncology and haematology society.

Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Health, Hon. Dr. Benson Martins Dube, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, noting that deeper partnerships between Kenya and Zimbabwe could significantly strengthen cancer care systems across Africa. This engagement aligns with continental priorities to advance cancer control through shared learning, harmonized training and sustainable partnerships; demonstrating how collaboration can help build resilient and responsive cancer care systems for Africa’s future.