Kenya has taken a significant step toward improving cancer management with the launch of an artificial intelligence-powered cervical cancer registry. The initiative, a collaboration between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Nairobi-based technology company Intellisoft, was announced at a health forum held in Nairobi on Friday. The event, organized by the Kenya Editors Guild, focused on advancing the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare development. The new cancer registry will initially concentrate on monitoring cervical cancer, which is currently the second most prevalent cancer among women in Kenya. It is designed to collect, analyze, and interpret data on cancer cases within the country, offering valuable insights into cancer incidence, mortality rates, survival trends, and other crucial factors to support research and inform effective cancer control strategies.
Dr. Terry Mochire, a leading expert in AI-driven health solutions at Intellisoft, emphasized the urgency of leveraging technology to tackle the cancer burden in Kenya. According to her, while cancer remains a top cause of death in the country, early detection and better disease management can drastically reduce fatalities. She noted that AI-powered dashboards will enable real-time data analysis, empowering healthcare providers and policymakers to make timely and informed decisions that enhance both surveillance and treatment outcomes for cancer patients. The registry aims not only to monitor cervical cancer but to serve as a model for expanding cancer tracking across other types of cancers in the future.
Intellisoft has also developed AfyaAI, a mobile application that uses large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Gemini to address the growing risk of non-communicable diseases among Kenyan youth. The application provides personalized health information and promotes behavioral change, with a focus on preventing premature deaths linked to lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The evolution of AI from simple rule-based systems to complex models capable of deep learning and natural language processing has enabled tools like AfyaAI to deliver more effective and human-like health communication.
Despite the promise of AI in transforming healthcare, experts at the forum cautioned about the inherent challenges that come with its adoption. Issues around data quality, bias, and patient privacy remain significant concerns. Incomplete or biased datasets can lead to flawed AI predictions, potentially affecting patient care. Moreover, safeguarding sensitive health information continues to be a central topic in discussions about ethical AI usage in the medical field. Dr. Mochire highlighted the need for diverse and representative datasets that reflect the realities of Kenya’s population to ensure fairness and accuracy in AI applications.
Nonetheless, the outlook remains positive as AI continues to reshape healthcare delivery in Kenya. Innovations like AfyaAI and the AI-powered cervical cancer registry demonstrate the country’s commitment to embracing data-driven, patient-centered solutions. John Omondi, a healthcare IT specialist, pointed out that AI is not only revolutionizing disease management but also transforming patient education by generating tailored health messages. These automated systems help patients understand their diagnoses and treatment options better, ultimately improving adherence to medical advice and reducing the workload on healthcare professionals. As Kenya moves forward with these initiatives, the integration of AI into health systems holds the potential to significantly improve public health outcomes.
