The National Assembly, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 passed the Cancer Prevention and Control Bill, 2022.

The Bill sponsored by Hon. Rahim Dawood (Central Imenti) sought to amend the Cancer Prevention and Control Act, No. 15 of 2012 to provide for training of health cadres in the specialized medical field of oncology, to include cancer treatment as part of the provision of primary healthcare and incorporate the use of e-health and telemedicine.

Speaking on the Bill, Vice-Chairperson Departmental Committee on Health, Hon. Patrick Munene (Igambang'ombe) said it is a critical moment for Kenya in the fight against cancer. He added that by prioritizing the training of oncologists and making treatment more accessible, Kenyans are assured of better health outcomes. 

Clause 3 of the Bill sought to expand the mandate  of the National Cancer Institute's (NCI). The NCI will now be tasked with promoting the use of e-health and telemedicine in cancer management. 

While contributing to the Debate, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Gladys Boss (Uasin Gishu) said that there is a link between cancer and pesticides. She noted that in 2019 she brought a petition calling for the banning the use of 262 pesticides identified by the World Health Organization (WHO)  as carcinogenic.

 "If we are truly committed, the first step is to stop the use of these pesticides with harmful chemicals products. These chemicals are supposed to be removed from the market. Since 2019, only seven of these products have been removed from the market," she said. 

Other Members also expressed concern over the role of  the Pesticide Control Board and the Government in protecting Kenyans from harmful products. 

The passage of the Bill further mandates the NIC to collaborate with the national Government, universities, colleges and the private sector to promote the training of oncology professionals.

The Bill has been transmitted to the Senate for consideration.