Professor George Njoroge, a Kenyan scientist, has secured a Sh446 million grant to enhance early detection and treatment of oesophageal cancer in Kenya.
As a co-lead researcher at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), Njoroge received the 2026 Greater Manchester Cancer Award alongside a UK-based team led by Professor Robert Bristow from the University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
Njoroge is renowned for his groundbreaking drug discoveries and is the first African to hold over 100 US patents.
The funding, provided by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), will support a collaborative research project involving KUTRRH, the University of Manchester, and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
An expert in organic chemistry and drug discovery, Njoroge gained recognition for developing Victrelis, the first hepatitis C protease inhibitor approved by the US FDA in 2011.
He also led the discovery of Sarasar, later known as Zokinvy, for treating progeria, a rare genetic condition.
His achievements earned him a place in the American Chemical Society Hall of Fame as a Hero of Chemistry in 2012.
Over his career, he has published over 130 scientific papers and secured more than 100 US patents, marking him as the first African scientist to reach this milestone.
Njoroge has received various international accolades, including the Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award and the Emerald Award for leadership in pharmaceutical research.
Raised in Kamuchege village, Kiambu County, he attended local primary schools before completing high school at Thika High School and studying Organic Chemistry at the University of Nairobi.
His grandmother, a respected herbal medicine practitioner, inspired his passion for drug discovery. He stated, “Her respect in the community motivated me to pursue a career that helps others.”
After graduating, he continued his studies at Case Western Reserve University and later worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University Hospitals of Cleveland.
His scientific contributions have advanced treatments for ageing, diabetes, and infectious diseases.
Despite his global success, Njoroge remains dedicated to addressing health challenges in Africa.
The new project aims to enhance survival rates for oesophageal cancer patients through early screening, clinician training, and community outreach.
Njoroge emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, “It is critical because cancer is more treatable and less costly when identified early.”
The project commenced three and a half years ago, focusing on late diagnosis as a major factor in the high mortality rate of oesophageal cancer in Kenya.
He noted, “Mortality rates are extremely high, and survival chances diminish significantly when diagnosed late.”
To improve diagnosis access, researchers established mobile clinics in Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru, Kiambu, and Meru counties.
The initiative has trained over 400 clinicians and 500 community health workers and conducted more than 1,000 endoscopic procedures.
“A mobile clinic was set up in each county, allowing patients to access diagnostic evaluations without long travel,” Njoroge explained.
Professor Robert Bristow, Director of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre, highlighted the program’s adaptation of mobile screening methods from Manchester’s lung cancer detection initiatives.
“Implementing this in Kenya has increased screening access, facilitated earlier cancer detection, and built community trust,” Bristow noted.
Researchers aim for their findings to influence Ministry of Health policies and expand early detection programs for other cancers in Kenya.
Njoroge expressed optimism about the potential for scaling up diagnosis for oesophageal cancer and other types of cancer through collaborations with the Ministry of Health and the National Cancer Institute.
He envisions establishing a biotechnology company in Africa to nurture young scientists and advance innovative medical research on the continent.
