A year-long research project aimed at increasing cervical cancer screening among women aged 24–65 years has been launched in Laikipia County. Titled “SCREEN-IT: Strengthening Cervical Cancer Screening through Technology among Women Aged 24–65 Years in Laikipia County, Kenya,” the initiative leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile-health technology to overcome barriers that limit access to screening and timely treatment, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The project led by Prof. Gideon Kikuvi, Dean, School of Public Health, brings together partners from JKUAT, Pearl Hospital, Nyahururu County Referral Hospital, Unison Medical Center, Rumuruti Sub-County Hospital, and the Laikipia County Department of Health. The cross-disciplinary team includes Dr. Patrick Waihenya (Director Health, Laikipia County), Dr. Sharon Kataka (Laikipia County, Department of Health), Dr. Kennedy Muthoka (Pearl Hospital), and Mr. Philip Oyier (JKUAT School of Computing and Information Technology).
Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in Kenya, accounting for about 15 percent of all cancer-related deaths in Laikipia County. Despite the availability of free screening services, uptake remains low due to challenges such as distance, stigma, and lack of awareness.
The International Development Research Centre(IDRC) funded project seeks to bridge this gap through the development and piloting of an AI-enhanced mobile application designed to support risk-based screening for women at higher risk, enable offline data capture for effective tracking and reminders, empower Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to identify and refer women for screening, and strengthen referral and treatment pathways between communities and health facilities.
According to Prof. Kikuvi, the Principal Investigator, the project is a testament to the university’s dedication to research that directly benefits communities.
“SCREEN-IT reflects JKUAT’s commitment to translating research into solutions that improve lives. By combining AI, digital health, and community engagement, we aim to build a scalable model for early cancer detection across Kenya and beyond,” said Prof. Kikuvi.
Dr. Kennedy Muthoka, Co-Principal Investigator and CEO of Pearl Hospital, emphasized the project’s role in empowering frontline health workers.
“Through this project, we’re putting innovation to work at the frontline. The mobile app will empower health promoters and clinicians to detect precancerous changes early and ensure that no woman in Laikipia misses a life-saving opportunity,” Dr. Muthoka said.
The project team has already begun AI and app development, community engagement, and baseline assessments. The outcomes are expected to inform the national integration of AI-enabled screening into Kenya’s cancer control programs by 2026.
The launch brought together key partners and health officials, marking a significant step toward integrating AI-driven solutions in Kenya’s fight against cervical cancer. SCREEN-IT stands as a model of how technology, research, and collaboration can drive equitable access to life-saving health services across the country.
