The initiative, a partnership between JOOTRH, the County Government of Kisumu and the Africa Cancer Foundation (ACF), was officially flagged off by Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, with the Ministry of Health represented by Dr. Joan Paula Bor, Acting Head of the National Cancer Control Programme, on behalf of Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga. The mobile clinic will deliver breast and cervical cancer screening services through JOOTRH Mashinani outreaches across Kisumu County and the wider Lake Region.

The mobile clinic is equipped with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing technology for cervical cancer screening, a breast ultrasound system, consultation and examination rooms, enabling healthcare teams to deliver quality screening services closer to communities. Integrated into JOOTRH Mashinani outreaches, it is expected to strengthen early diagnosis, facilitate timely referrals and expand access to life-saving cancer screening across Kisumu County and the wider Lake Region.

Speaking on behalf of Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Dr. Joan Paula Bor reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to strengthening cancer prevention and treatment, describing the Comprehensive Cancer Centre under construction at JOOTRH as a national priority. She noted that early detection remains key to improving cancer outcomes, adding that the mobile clinic will bring screening services closer to communities by overcoming barriers such as distance, cost and limited awareness.

JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise said the initiative complements the hospital’s vision of expanding comprehensive cancer care. He announced that the Comprehensive Cancer Centre is 80 percent complete, with plans to mobilize KSh1.8 billion for equipping the facility, while acquisition of a PET-CT scanner and cyclotron is underway. He said the investments will reduce referrals outside the region and position JOOTRH as a regional centre of excellence for cancer care.

Governor Nyong’o emphasized that quality healthcare should reach people where they live, describing prevention and early detection as the strongest weapons against cancer. He commended the Africa Cancer Foundation for translating cancer advocacy into practical action.

Africa Cancer Foundation Managing Trustee and Mama Kisumu, Dorothy Nyong’o, said the launch reflects the Foundation’s 15-year commitment to advancing cancer awareness, prevention and early detection. She described the Clinic on Wheels as the “last mile” in healthcare delivery by bringing screening services directly to communities. Since 2011, the Foundation has reached 30 counties and screened more than 36,000 people for breast, cervical and prostate cancer through partnerships with government and healthcare institutions.

Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation Dr. Gregory Ganda noted that Kenya records approximately 45,000 new cancer cases and 32,000 cancer-related deaths annually. He said Kisumu County has increased HPV vaccination coverage among girls aged 10–14 years from 16 percent in 2022 to 64 percent, vaccinating more than 45,000 girls, while screening approximately 40,000 women for cervical cancer last year, achieving 85 percent of its target.

Also present were Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Matthew Owili, Ministry of Health and Kisumu County officials, JOOTRH management, and representatives from the Africa Cancer Foundation, Matibabu Foundation and Tiba Foundation.