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IGCS Members and Friends,

We are delighted to announce that the recently formed Gynecologic Oncology Society of Kenya (GOSK) has officially become a part of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society’s Strategic Alliance Partner Program. Founded on 14th June 2023, GOSK was established to unite healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates with a shared vision of improving the quality of care for women affected by gynecologic cancers in Kenya.

The formation of the Gynecologic Oncology Society of Kenya (GOSK) is a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to strengthening gynecologic cancer care, particularly in addressing the burden of cervical cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Kenya. Kenya is signaling a growing commitment to combating gynecologic cancers with a more structured, professional, and collaborative approach—bringing the country closer to reducing the cervical cancer burden and improving survival rates for affected women.

Mr. Ian Ocheing, the GOSK Secretariat, provided insights about the GOSK leadership stating, “Dr. Orora Maranga, our Interim Hon. Chairman, brings invaluable expertise and a steadfast dedication to improving women’s health outcomes. Dr. Benjamin Elly Odongo, our Interim Hon. Secretary General, is a visionary advocate for education and innovation in gynecologic oncology. Dr. Alfred Mokomba, our Interim Hon. Treasurer, ensures that the society operates with integrity and transparency, leveraging resources effectively to achieve its goals. Their commitment underscores the society’s ethos and the collective drive to elevate the standards of care for women in Kenya.”

For IGCS it is notable that this founding  GOSK leadership team includes one of the first IGCS Fellows who completed training through the IGCS Gynecologic Oncology Global Fellowship Program, Dr. Benjamin Elly Odongo. One of Dr. Odongo’s IGCS Mentors, Dr. Al Covens said, “this is a historic achievement for Kenya. I am incredibly proud that an IGCS-trained Fellow is now a founding member of the country’s first gynecologic oncology society. It really makes you stop and reflect—on the power of mentorship, perseverance, and the unwavering dedication of Kenyan physicians who are shaping the future of cancer care in their own country. Congratulations, my friends!”

Dr. Orora Maranga noted that the founders—each deeply invested in their clinical and academic roles—would convene after hours to strategize and shape the society. These gatherings were filled with impassioned discussions, fueled by a shared determination to create an organization that would not only advocate for women’s health but also inspire and empower the next generation of professionals in the field. He believes this strong foundation and the dedication of GOSK’s leadership will continue to propel the society forward, fostering collaboration, innovation, and meaningful change in gynecologic oncology across Kenya.

IGCS President, Prof. Greta Dreyer said, “Like all IGCS strategic alliances, this collaboration fosters a two-way exchange of knowledge, with GOSK contributing local insights while benefiting from IGCS’s global experience and educational member benefits. Through this partnership, GOSK members can leverage IGCS resources and expertise to address local cervical and gynecologic cancer challenges — with the potential to pave the way for collaborative advocacy efforts, policy influence, and improved healthcare delivery systems. I look forward to continued progress, to a mutually beneficial partnership with the Kenian group  and definitely to growth in our SAP-program in this region as the number of trained and committed clinicians increase.”

Progress, indeed. I look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead as we work together to further the mission of both organizations. Together, we can strengthen our impact and improve the lives of those affected by gynecologic cancers.

Sincerely,

Mary Eiken, MS
IGCS CEO