Nairobi, July 4, 2025 – Collaborative effort with City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) marks a major milestone in building a stronger, more equitable cancer care system in Kenya’s capital. Nairobi has officially launched a portfolio of 11 projects with technical support, developed under the City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) initiative.
Transforming Cancer Care Through Collaboration
Led by local institutions and endorsed by the Nairobi City County Government, the Ministry of Health, and C/Can, the 11 projects reflect a shared commitment to co-create sustainable solutions to Nairobi’s most pressing cancer care challenges.
These prioritised projects are a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through inclusive, data-driven collaboration. By putting the needs of our patients and healthcare workers at the center, we are building a system that responds to real challenges and delivers real change,
said Joan-Paula Bor-Malenya, Ag. Head , National Cancer Control Program, Kenya.
Since joining C/Can in 2022, Nairobi has followed the C/Can City Engagement Process, an implementation science framework, to bring together public and private stakeholders and map the city’s oncology landscape. Over three years, more than 112 health professionals from 20 institutions, 20 civil society organisations, and 245 patients and survivors (within two years of diagnosis) contributed data, expertise, and lived experience to define priorities for action.
Identifying Gaps and Setting Priorities for Action
The evidence collected informed a collaborative prioritisation process, resulting in the co-development of 11 tailored project plans. This groundwork also led to the production of four foundational reports: a Situation Analysis Report, a Research Ecosystem Report, a Digital Health Assessment Report and a Health Financing Report providing a comprehensive picture of Nairobi’s cancer care landscape and its opportunities for improvement.
Additionally, five thematic manuscripts were developed in collaboration with local stakeholders, focusing on: strengthening cancer care, enhancing quality of care, cancer diagnosis, paediatric oncology and patient and community perspectives.
Implementing the 11 projects will require continued collaboration among stakeholders, investment in health system strengthening, workforce development, sustainable financing, and digital health integration.
The technical rigour and inclusive approach of this process are what make it transformative. Prioritised by the city stakeholders, the 11 projects with technical support to be provided by C/Can and our network of partners are rooted in the voices of health professionals, patients, and institutions across Nairobi. We are proud to see such strong local ownership and leadership.
said Sophie Bussmann-Kemdjo, Director for Africa & Europe, C/Can.
Official Launch Event Brings Stakeholders Together
The launch event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, Nairobi City County Government, project teams, international partners, and local stakeholders. Each of the 11 projects was presented, with an emphasis on collaborative implementation and long-term impact.
This launch marks a new chapter for cancer care in Nairobi. We are proud to lead a locally-driven process that ensures the voices and realities of Nairobi residents guide every step of the way.
said Suzanne Silantoi, Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Health, Wellness and Nutrition, and Chair of the C/Can Nairobi City Executive Committee.
By leveraging data-driven policies, technological innovation, and public-private partnerships, Nairobi is positioning itself as a regional leader in equitable, quality cancer care.
Driving Gender Equity in Cancer Care: Nairobi Leads by Example
On July 11, Nairobi will host a one-day Gender Consultation Workshop as part of C/Can’s global initiative, Cities Taking Action for Gender Equity in Cancer Care (2024–2030). This programme supports cities in designing gender-responsive health strategies in response to the recommendations from Lancet Commission on Women, Power and Cancer and in alignment with C/Can’s Women and Health Strategy.
As one of three demonstration cities – alongside Tbilisi (Georgia) and León (Mexico) – Nairobi is co-developing a blueprint to address gender-related gaps in cancer care, with the potential to influence national health policy and global best practices.
Locally-Led Health Innovation Paves the Way for the Future of Global Health
By launching this integrated portfolio of projects and initiating a gender consultation workshop, Nairobi strengthens its role as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, inclusion and equity in cancer care.
Nairobi is showing the world what’s possible when cities lead from the front, with courage, collaboration, and commitment. The 11 projects are more than technical interventions, they are a blueprint for sustainable, equitable change. From health infrastructure to policy reform, Nairobi is ensuring that quality cancer care is accessible to everyone, everywhere.
said Isabel Mestres, CEO of C/Can.
As Nairobi advances on its path with C/Can, its success underscores the power of city-led action to drive systemic change and shape the future of cancer care globally.
Looking Ahead: From Planning to Action
With the technical approval of the Project Plans and political endorsement by the CEC, Nairobi now enters the implementation phase. Led by the local sustainability partner, with support from C/Can and its network of partners, the city will begin executing projects, tracking progress, and building local capacity to sustain and scale cancer care improvements.
