Story and photos by Benard Ondari
Oncology and palliative care nurses serve as “the heart of the patient’s journey,” guiding, educating, and providing comfort to patients throughout their treatment. This message was conveyed by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), CEO Joshua Okise during the 11th Annual Oncology Nurses Society of Kenya (ONS-K) Conference held at Ciala Resort in Kisumu.
Mr. Okise pointed out that JOOTRH’s cancer registry has recorded 4,525 new cases from 2012 to 2025, with cervical, oesophageal, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers being the most prevalent. He acknowledged the challenges faced, including a 50% dropout rate in treatment, but emphasized that collaborations like the one with ADONIS are improving patient navigation and retention. He also highlighted significant advancements in specialized care, including the forthcoming Comprehensive Cancer Centre, along with a new CT scanner and mammogram machine, as well as international partnerships with Washington University.
Recently, JOOTRH has achieved notable progress in enhancing specialized care. The Health Cabinet Secretary has committed KSh 500 million for the completion of the Comprehensive Cancer Centre, which will feature a radiotherapy bunker, thus alleviating the travel burden for numerous patients. The diagnostic services have been improved with the acquisition of a new 128-slice CT scanner and mammogram machine. International collaborations, such as a Memorandum of Collaboration with Washington University, are further bolstering oncology training, innovations in patient retention, and research on virus-associated cancers.
Pamela Were, the Chair of the Conference Committee, praised the advancement of oncology nursing in Kenya, noting the evolution from limited recognition to well-structured training and global partnerships today. ONS-K President Roselyne Okumu underscored the conference’s theme, “Building a Resilient Cancer Workforce,” highlighting Kenya’s annual cancer burden of 45,000 new cases and 29,000 deaths. She urged nurses to focus on self-care and adopt research-driven practices while addressing the social determinants of health that affect cancer outcomes.
Kisumu’s First Lady and Africa Cancer Foundation Trustee, Mama Dorothy Nyong’o, emphasized the significance of community awareness and early screening. She reported that over 35,000 individuals have been screened across 27 counties and called for enhanced collaboration to improve patient experiences. Additionally, she advocated for better retention of trained oncology nurses through equitable compensation, upgraded equipment, and increased motivation.
Before the conference, a cancer awareness walk took place in the streets of Kisumu, where JOOTRH and partners united with ONS-K to promote early detection and prevention. The walk concluded with a donation to the oncology unit, attended by Kisumu First Lady Mrs. Dorothy Nyong’o.
