KENYA STRENGTHENS CANCER CARE THROUGH FASTER, SUBSIDISED BRCA TESTING

Panelists share insights on BRCA testing and streamlined cancer care pathways during the “Unlocking BRCA” event at Mercure/Pullman Hotel, Nairobi.

By: Gladys K 

Kenya has introduced a strengthened national pathway that promises faster and more affordable BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing, marking a major step forward in improving cancer diagnosis and treatment. The new system was presented during a high-level medical forum held yesterday at the Mercure/Pullman Hotel in Upper Hill, attended by oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, radiologists and other specialists involved in cancer care.

For years, many Kenyans have struggled to access BRCA testing due to high costs, limited facilities and slow turnaround times. These challenges have often delayed diagnosis and prevented patients from receiving targeted treatment when it matters most.

The enhanced pathway seeks to reverse that trend by ensuring patients are identified correctly, samples are transported efficiently, and results reach clinicians quickly. The approach is designed to support faster decision-making for doctors managing breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers.

AstraZeneca’s Cancer Care Africa Lead, Grace Humwa, said the initiative is meant to expand access to life-saving genomic testing.

“Genetic testing has remained out of reach for too many patients,” she said. “This pathway ensures timely access, and it brings precision oncology closer to every Kenyan who needs it.”

Aga Khan University Hospital consultant anatomic and molecular pathologist Dr. Allan Njau noted that delays often begin when clinicians are uncertain about the clinical purpose of the test they are ordering.

“The first thing to ask when ordering any genetic test is: What will I do with this result? If that is unclear, the process slows down and becomes confusing for both the doctor and the patient,” he said.

Under the new system, eligible patients will complete a two-page voucher and consent form before blood or tissue samples are collected. These samples taken from any of the 86 outreach centres across Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu will be transported to Nairobi within 24 hours. Results are expected within three to four weeks, a significant improvement compared to previous timelines.

To widen access, the programme will subsidise more than 80 percent of the testing cost, reducing the amount patients pay to just KSh 6,500, whether through insurance or out-of-pocket payment.

Aga Khan University Hospital laboratory manager John Waigwa said the coordinated network finally brings the service within reach for ordinary Kenyans.

“For the first time, BRCA testing becomes truly accessible and affordable in Kenya,” he said.

Experts attending the event agreed that the strengthened national pathway supported by partnerships between AstraZeneca, KESHO, The Pathology Network and Aga Khan Hospital signals a major shift in Kenya’s cancer-care landscape. With streamlined diagnostic-to-treatment processes, the country is now better positioned to improve early detection and give more patients a fighting chance.