Kenya has seen a significant rise in cancer cases over the past few decades. According to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), Kenya reported 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317 deaths in 2022. Given the rising cancer prevalence in Kenya, it is important that the country invests in health and research systems to meet this challenge. Basic science research, which focuses on understanding the causes and molecular mechanisms of cancer, is fundamental for advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This foundational research has enabled global progress over the last three decades as evidenced by several Nobel Prize-winning discoveries including, precision therapies, cancer-inducing viruses, retroviral oncogenes, and DNA repair mechanisms. 

Despite these global advancements, Kenya’s infrastructure for basic cancer research remains inadequate. Enhancing this infrastructure is crucial for Kenyan scientists to conduct robust basic and translational cancer research and produce groundbreaking discoveries.; While the country has over forty universities, very few of them are well equipped with basic research infrastructure. Basic and translational cancer research cannot occur without the right laboratory infrastructure supporting cell culture, molecular biology, biochemistry, histopathology, animal models, imaging, and drug discovery studies. Also, establishing at least biosafety level-2 laboratories in universities and research institutions is critical. These labs should have adequate working space, proper ventilation, and safety equipment to allow researchers to conduct experiments safely and effectively, and ensure the integrity of their findings.

The cancer research landscape in Kenya, and Sub-Saharan Africa by extension lacks the state of the art equipment needed to support different research programs. Access to advanced research equipment such as biosafety cabinets, PCR machines, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, flow cytometers, biobanking infrastructure, and various types of microscopes such as confocal, fluorescence, and electron microscopes are essential for detailed cellular and molecular analyses. Additionally, cryopreservation and sequencing platforms are vital for storing biological samples and analyzing detailed genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic information. Improving the regulations and supply chains for laboratory consumables and equipment is also necessary. Streamlined procurement processes and reliable supply chains will ensure that researchers have continuous access to the tools they need without unnecessary delays.

The increasing reliance on computational and data-driven approaches in cancer research underscores the need for robust bioinformatics and artificial intelligence resources. Computational infrastructure for data analysis, software tools for genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analysis, and databases for storing and sharing research data are essential components. In addition, strengthening population-based cancer registries is important for tracking cancer incidence, mortality and quality of life outcomes. Currently, Kenya has only three functional registries based in Nairobi, Eldoret, and Kisumu. Expanding and enhancing these registries will provide valuable epidemiological data that can inform research and public health strategies.

Establishing and operationalizing regulatory committees and frameworks for biosafety, biosecurity, animal experimentation, and research ethics are necessary to ensure the responsible conduct of research to safeguard the welfare of research subjects and the integrity of the research process. Also, coordinated research regulatory functionalities involving government organizations like the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-Kenya), the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), and the Ministry of Health should be enhanced. These organizations must work together to streamline approval processes and provide clear guidelines for researchers and institutions.

Cancer research funding landscape in Kenya and the rest of SSA is constrained. While infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria get substantial funding from the government and other philanthropic organizations, cancer research in Kenya is barely funded. Competitive grant programs, fellowships, and research awards can help attract and retain talented researchers, fostering innovation and progress in cancer research. Grants tailored solely for individual basic scientists for cancer research, and infrastructural development grants, need to be incorporated. Institutions such as the Kenya National Research Fund (NRF), the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and NCI-Kenya should prioritize these funding mechanisms in their mandates as seen in successes driven by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in the United States. Expanding small basic science grants programs for early-career scientists and creating long-term grant funding opportunities for researchers at all career stages are crucial. These initiatives will support the development of new research ideas, propel discoveries to translatable clinical products and drive promising projects. In addition, training programs and professional development opportunities should be provided to cultivate expertise in new emerging technologies and encourage cross border collaborations., These programs will equip researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct cutting-edge cancer research. Finally, dedicated fiscal management systems for research grants at the institutional level need to be operationalized and made technically supportive to grantees.

By investing in these areas, Kenya can create a conducive environment to promote significant advancements in cancer biology, preclinical studies, new cancer diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and collaborative networks, ultimately improving outcomes for cancer patients. Strategic investment in basic science infrastructure, as outlined in Kenya’s Vision 2030, is essential for achieving these goals.