STATUS OF CERVICAL CANCER ELIMINATION IN KENYA
Overview
In 2018, the WHO Director General issued a call for elimination of cervical cancer globally; this was followed by the launch of the Global strategy for elimination of cervical cancer in 2020.
Review Of the Implementation Of Cervical Cancer Control Strategies In Kenya
HPV vaccination
The HPV vaccination program was rolled out in 2019, and by 2023 only 54.7% of girls aged 10–14 had received one dose and 44.3% had completed two (figure 5). Challenges include weak school attendance by eligible girls in some regions, logistical constraints, poor integration into existing health systems, and delays in adopting a cost-effective single-dose regimen. Leadership and coordination issues, inadequate data systems, insufficient health worker support, misinformation, and minimal community engagement, especially among men and out-of- school youth, further impede uptake.
In November 2025, Kenya officially transitioned from a two-dose to a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule, following recommendations from WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE). SAGE's review of global evidence confirmed that a single dose provides equally effective, long-lasting immunity against the HPV strains responsible for cervical cancer.
Screening and Treatment For Cervical Pre-Cancer
Cervical cancer screening and treatment coverage in Kenya remains low, with significant disparities across counties. Despite efforts since 2011 using VIA and cryotherapy, coverage falls far below the 70% target, with most women screened using less accurate VIA instead of the recommended HPV testing (figure 6).
HPV testing still accounts for less than 6% of screenings due to lack of funding for commodity procurement and systems strengthening, logistical challenges, referral bottlenecks, and tracking issues. New guidelines promoting self-sampling and same-day treatment aim to improve uptake, but weak health systems, poor coordination, inadequate financing, and low public awareness continue to hinder progress.
Treatment coverage for precancerous lesions is also low, with over half of eligible women not receiving care. Issues such as workforce shortages, stockouts, misinformation, high costs, and loss to follow- up undermine the effectiveness of the cervical cancer prevention and treatment program.
Diagnosis and Treatment Of Invasive Cervical Cancer
Kenya has made progress by decentralizing cancer care since 2019, establishing regional cancer centres and expanding radiotherapy (including brachytherapy) capacity beyond national referral hospitals. These centres integrate key services such as pathology, imaging, surgery, and palliative care, improving geographic access.
However, major systemic gaps persist, Inadequate infrastructure and equipment, weak Referral systems, human resources shortage, supply chain and technology gaps public awareness as well as poor Governance and coordination.
SWOT Analysis Of The Kenya Cervical Cancer Control Program
HPV vaccination
The Kenya Government through the State Department of Health is committed to vaccinate all eligible girls. The HPV Vaccines are available and delivered using multiple strategies to all immunizing facilities supported by the existence of Kenya National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (KENITAG) and involvement of community health promoters to create awareness in the community.
However, there have been challenges contributing to low HPV Vaccine uptake which include lack of strategies to reach the missed girls aged 10 to 14 years including the vulnerable and out of school, vaccine hesitancy among religious groups, inadequate engagement of caregivers and teachers/schools at the subnational levels, Myths and misconceptions.
Screening And Treatment For Cervical Pre-Cancer
Kenya has a strong foundation for cervical cancer screening, supported by political commitment, clear policies, and established coordination structures. Screening and treatment services are available, including thermal ablation at primary care level, alongside updated guidelines promoting a single visit approach. The availability of HPV testing commodities, a national reference laboratory, and integration into preservice training further strengthen the system. There are also key opportunities to expand access and efficiency through the PHC Fund, HPV self-sampling, integration with other health programs, and innovations such as multiplex testing and pooled procurement.
However, progress is constrained by low screening coverage, high loss to follow up, and weak referral systems that limit treatment uptake. Frequent commodity stock outs, lack of dedicated funding, and absence of a clear operational plan undermine implementation. Additional challenges include limited coordination, health worker attrition, inadequate financing, and reliance on donor support. Social and cultural barriers, low prioritization at county level, and gaps in equipment maintenance and supply chains further affect service delivery and utilization.
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Invasive Cervical Cancer
There has been notable progress in cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment, including expanded radiotherapy and brachytherapy capacity through regional cancer centres and improved access to care. The growth of local training programs in gynaecologic oncology is increasing the number of specialists. Additional opportunities such as Universal Health Coverage through SHIF and ECCIF, coverage of diagnostic services, and the use of digital health solutions like telepathology can further strengthen timely diagnosis and care. Integration of palliative care and public private partnerships also offer pathways to expand service capacity and reach.
However, significant challenges persist in diagnostic capacity, referral systems, and care coordination. The absence of a robust cancer registration system limits the ability to track progress, while long waiting times delay access to multidisciplinary care. Workforce gaps, particularly a shortage of pathologists, and high equipment maintenance costs continue to strain the system. These challenges are further compounded by unpredictable healthcare financing and constrained fiscal space, which threaten the sustainability and scale up of cancer services.
