Editor's Review
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-Kenya) has announced plans to conduct nationwide inspections of previously inspected cancer management centres and hospitals.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-Kenya) has announced plans to conduct nationwide inspections of previously inspected cancer management centres and hospitals.
In a notice on Monday, October 19, the Institute said the exercise, meant to assess the quality of cancer care and compliance with national guidelines, will start on Wednesday, October 21.
NCI stated that hospitals would be informed individually about their scheduled inspection dates and times.
"Take notice that the Institute shall conduct a nationwide inspection of previously inspected cancer management centres/hospitals from 21st October 2026, to assess the quality of cancer care and adherence to the National Guidelines for Establishment of Cancer Management centres, using the NCI-K Inspection Checklist. Your facility will be notified of its inspection date and time," the notice read.
NCI outlined three main objectives of the exercise, including guaranteeing quality cancer care across all cancer management institutions in the country.
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The inspections will also seek to strengthen patient safety and improve patient management outcomes throughout the cancer care continuum, while supporting the onboarding of eligible facilities onto the Social Health Authority (SHA) oncology benefits package.
The institute said the onboarding process would be undertaken in line with Legal Notice No. 56 of 2025, which sets out tariffs for healthcare services.
As part of the preparations, the affected hospitals have been asked to provide the necessary documentation and ensure that their key officials are available throughout the inspection process.
"You are requested to make available your relevant regulatory documents, protocols, and relevant facility records, and to ensure that the officer in-charge and HMT are present throughout the inspection," the notice added.
This comes days after Social Health Authority (SHA) and NCI have set conditions that healthcare facilities must meet before they can be contracted to provide cancer treatment services to SHA beneficiaries.
In a joint statement on Thursday, October 15, the two institutions directed facilities seeking to offer oncology services under SHA to obtain valid NCI certification and update their records to facilitate verification and completion of the contracting process.
"The Social Health Authority (SHA) and the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI) notify all healthcare facilities intending to contract with SHA to offer cancer services to SHA beneficiaries to obtain valid NCI certification and update their records to facilitate verification and completion of contracting," the statement read.
Facilities have been directed to verify and update their NCI certification status, ensuring their certification is current and reflects the approved scope of cancer services they are authorised to provide.
They must also confirm the specific oncology services they intend to offer under SHA, ensuring the services fall within their NCI-certified scope.
These include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, surgical oncology and other applicable cancer treatment interventions.
Additionally, healthcare facilities are required to demonstrate that they have the necessary infrastructure, operational equipment and appropriately qualified and licensed personnel to support the services declared in their applications.
The institutions further require facilities to ensure they have the applicable facility, professional and service-specific licences and authorisations before completing the contracting process.
Facilities without valid NCI certification have been directed to seek assistance from the institute, while those seeking to provide services beyond their existing certification must obtain the necessary verification and approvals.
"Facilities intending to offer cancer services to SHA beneficiaries that do not hold valid NCI certification must immediately contact NCI for assistance with assessment and certification.
"Facilities whose proposed services differ from their certified scope must seek verification and the necessary approvals," the statement added.
