The Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO) is the National umbrella body of over 55 registered cancer civil society organizations, spread throughout the country, active in various aspects of cancer control in Kenya and committed to a united response against cancer.
KENCO was formed and registered in 2016 with an aim of bringing together civil society organizations and coordinating their response to the cancer epidemic. Currently, KENCO members implement various cancer control activities such as creation of awareness and public education on cancer, cancer prevention through screening and treatment, patient navigation through linkages to the referral system, follow-up and care, provision of psychosocial support to cancer patients, and palliative care.
As the umbrella body, KENCO focuses on capacity building of member organizations and health workers; networking among members for knowledge share and improved delivery of services: collaborations and partnerships in cancer control; and advocacy aimed at influencing Government policies and legislation around cancer to the benefit of the public. KENCO is also involved in creation of awareness on cancer among cancer patients and care givers through the Cancer Education Materials for Patients and Caregivers’ (CEMPC) Program. KENCO leverages on the strengths and experiences of its members to advance the cancer prevention and control agenda in the country.
Vision
KENCO envisions communities and people with happy, healthy, and hopeful lives, unaffected by cancer.
Mission
KENCO exists to promote health equity for all people at risk of and living with cancer and to prevent and reduce the impact of cancer for those at risk and living with it, by influencing healthcare systems strengthening, raising awareness, policy education and advocacy, partnership and targeted research.
Core Values
KENCO commits to upholding four values
a) Integrity – speaks to openness, transparency,
and accountability.
b) Equity – speaks to creating and sustaining
spaces for the most vulnerable.
c) Teamwork and partnership – speaks to the ability to stay and work together unitedly.
d) Diversity and inclusivity – speaks to the recognition of working for, alongside, and with all kinds of people brought together by the scourge of cancer and associated burden.
As the recognized representative of cancer civil society organizations in Kenya, KENCO works very closely with State and Non-State actors including the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases of the Ministry of Health, The National Cancer Control Program, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, Medical professional associations, Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, and NCD Alliance of Kenya among others. KENCO pursues non-political, non-partisan, non- religious and not for profit objectives.
