8th Kenya International Cancer Conference (KICC) 2024: Executive Summary
Dates & Venue: November 21–23, 2024 | Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, Kisumu, Kenya
Theme: “Advancing Cancer Care in Africa in a Rapidly Changing World”

Conference Snapshot

• Attendees: 574 delegates from Kenya, Israel, Rwanda, South Africa, Italy, Canada, Tanzania, USA, UK, Germany, Ethiopia, Uganda.
• Abstracts: 168 submissions with 124 poster presentations and a total of 128 speakers.
• Preconference Events:
  1. Outreach Screening & Wellness Fair (Nov 19)
  2. Radiation Oncology Contouring & Planning Workshop (Nov 20)
  3. Faculty Development Workshop (Nov 20)
  4. Grant Writing Workshop (Nov 20)

Key Topic Areas

1. Oncology & Allied Specialties
   • Updates on multidisciplinary teamwork, oncology nursing, pharmacy, and allied health services in comprehensive cancer care.
2. Reciprocal Innovation
   • Showcasing African-born technological and clinical approaches that can be scaled or adapted globally.
3. Impact of AI & Digital Health
   • Spotlight on telemedicine, data analytics, and emerging digital platforms transforming early detection and patient tracking.
4. Improving Access to Cancer Care
   • Strategies for reducing financial, geographic, and infrastructural barriers—highlighting national policies, insurance models, and cross-sector collaboration.
5. Palliative & Supportive Care, Survivorship
   • Approaches to pain management, end-of-life care, psychosocial support, and patient navigation for survivors and their families.
6. Community Engagement & Prevention
   • Grassroots outreach for cancer screening and education, emphasizing local leadership in raising awareness and encouraging early interventions.
7. Cancer Care in Times of Crisis & Climate Change
   • Resilience planning for cancer services during pandemics, natural disasters, and environmental shifts.

Abstract Summaries

• Novel Diagnostics & Genomic Insights
  • Studies on molecular profiling, targeted therapies, and liquid biopsies to improve personalized care.
• Therapeutic Advancements
  • Research on immunotherapies, hypofractionated radiotherapy, and innovative drug regimens showing promise in improving survival rates.
• Health Systems & Policy
  • Presentations on public-private partnerships, financing models, and community-based strategies that strengthen cancer prevention and control.
• Clinical Trials & Capacity Building
  • Insights into collaborative research networks, training programs for oncology professionals, and resource-sharing across institutions.

Outreach & Community Impact

On November 19, KESHO and 23 partner organizations led a free Outreach Screening & Wellness Fair at Mamboleo Junction in Kisumu. This initiative provided critical onsite cancer screenings and health education for residents.

• Participation & Impact: Local leadership—including the Governor of Kisumu, CEC Health—joined the event, amplifying community trust and media attention.
• Screening Highlights:
  • 134 samples collected and tested
  • 43 positive outcomes requiring further evaluation
  • 82 negative outcomes
  • 9 tests repeated or invalid
  • Overall, 125 individuals received confirmed results on the day
• Community Education: In addition to screenings, attendees received guidance on prevention measures, healthy lifestyle habits, and the importance of timely cancer checkups.

Conclusion

KICC 2024 demonstrated rising momentum for collaborative, data-driven, and patient-centered oncology solutions in Africa. From policy debates to clinical workshops, the event galvanized professionals across disciplines to accelerate access, innovation, and research in cancer care—ultimately driving improved outcomes for communities across the continent.

We look forward to continued partnerships and ground-breaking progress leading up to KICC 2026.