NAIROBI, Kenya – The launch of new high-tech cancer treatment machines by Nairobi West Hospital is set to significantly boost the fight against cancer by improving treatment and diagnosis.
On the evening of Friday, June 6, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale officiated the launch of Nairobi West Hospital’s Cyclotron 11 MeV machine during a Gala Dinner themed “Illuminating the Future: Innovation, Impact, and Inspiration.”
“This marks a major milestone in Kenya’s fight against cancer, enabling the production of vital radioisotopes for early diagnosis and advanced cancer care,” said CS Duale.
The event celebrated the hospital’s remarkable growth from a small outpatient clinic in Tala, Machakos County, in the 1970s to a Level 6 private referral facility under the visionary leadership of founder and current board chair, Dr. Umesh Saini.
“I directed all national referral hospitals, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and the Digital Health Authority (DHA) to formalise partnerships with centres of excellence like Nairobi West Hospital to promote patient-centred, integrated care and eliminate duplication,” disclosed the CS.
Why Kenya is likely to rise as a regional healthcare hub
During the event, CS Duale also underscored the importance of strategic collaboration, resource sharing, and digital transformation in making Kenya a regional hub for health excellence and medical tourism.
“Additionally, I urged private partners to align with the ministry’s Digital Health Superhighway initiative to improve connectivity, efficiency, and impact across the health system,” CS Duale said.
Nairobi West Hospital was commended for its pioneering work in AI-enabled PET/CT scans, stem cell therapies, TAVI procedures, and 21 successful bone marrow transplants.
The commissioning of its PET/CT scanner and radioisotope production facility represents a game-changing step in combating late cancer diagnosis, which claims nearly 30,000 Kenyan lives annually.
How the fight against cancer is gaining momentum in Kenya
CS Duale was accompanied by PS Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and PS Mary Muthoni (Public Health).
The fight against cancer in Kenya is continuously being boosted by the launch of new high-tech machines.
These machines, including Elekta’s Versa HD system and PET-CT scanners, are enhancing cancer detection and treatment.
The installation of these advanced technologies in facilities like Nakuru County and HCG is revolutionising cancer care by providing more accurate diagnoses and improved treatment options for patients.
