The National Cancer Institute is now calling on Kenyans with groundbreaking research ideas in cancer care to submit proposals.
The call for proposals on cancer research in Kenya was announced by the NCI-K in collaboration with the National Research Fund.
The institute, in a public notice, said the applications are open to researchers attached to public and private institutions.
Persons with disabilities, women, and youth are also encouraged to submit their proposals. Successful applicants will be funded up to a maximum of Sh3 million.
The key areas of research interest include cancer burden description, cancer prevention and causation, screening and early detection, cancer diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and survivorship.
Funding preferences will also be given to research proposals whose focus is on cancer care economics and finance, as well as health systems and policies.
“This call aims to provide support for robust scientific cancer research that directly addresses the challenges outlined within the framework of the National Cancer Control Strategy, 2023–2027 priority areas,” the notice reads.
Those interested have until February 29 to submit their proposals.
“Proposed projects should demonstrate how they intend to research specific focus areas encompassing a range of critical issues in cancer research,” it says.
They should also demonstrate how their research aims to contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge and the development of effective interventions around cancer prevention and control.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya is a statutory body created under the Cancer Prevention and Control Act (No. 15 of 2012)
This was in recognition of the need for a more coordinated health sector response to the growing cancer burden in Kenya.
The institute is mandated to provide support to all relevant institutions to encourage, secure and improve access to cancer services.
The Ministry of Health data shows that at least 58,000 Kenyans will be diagnosed with cancer every year starting in 2028, based on the growing incidence of the disease.
In 2023, about 42,000 Kenyans received a cancer diagnosis. The ministry says the numbers will continue to rise because of improved diagnosis and increased life expectancy.
Currently, the old age population (above 60 years) is the fastest-growing segment of the population and the most predisposed to cancer.
The ministry said overall, Kenya’s population growth, increased urbanisation and increase in risk factors for cancer will lead to higher numbers.