Abstract:
Background: Brain tumours represent a significant health challenge worldwide, with a
disproportionate impact in resource-limited settings. This narrative review highlights what is known
about the epidemiology, surgical management, and systemic challenges associated with brain tumour
care in Kenya. Methods: This narrative review was based on a comprehensive search of
peer-reviewed publications, institutional reports and national statistics. The search, conducted from
2000 to 2024, utilized key databases including, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online
(AJOL) and Web of Science, with search terms like (“brain tumours” OR “brain tumors”) AND Kenya
AND (“epidemiology” OR “neurosurgery” OR “challenges”). The analysis was qualitative, focusing on
synthesizing patterns and themes related to epidemiology, surgical care and healthcare system
barriers. Results: The literature, primarily composed of retrospective hospital-based series, indicates
that in Kenya, adults represent a higher proportion of cases (71.8%) than children (28.2%). The most
common adult tumours are meningiomas and gliomas, while gliomas and medulloblastomas are
common in paediatric patients. Surgical intervention is a cornerstone of management, with outcomes
often limited by the extent of resection and a lack of access to adjuvant therapies. Key challenges
identified included delayed patient presentation, shortage of neurosurgical specialists (39
neurosurgeons in 2022), and limited access to essential infrastructure like imaging, intensive care
units, and radiotherapy centers, most of which were concentrated in urban areas. Conclusion: Brain
tumour care in Kenya is hindered by a shortage of neurosurgical personnel, delayed patient
presentations, and a lack of equitable access to diagnostic and therapeutic resources. While surgical
intervention is effective, its impact is limited by systemic challenges. To improve care, it is necessary
to invest in infrastructure, decentralize neurosurgical services, enhance capacity building for
healthcare professionals, and increase public awareness
