NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s war on cancer appears to have received a shot in the arm after the government, through the Ministry of Health, announced plans to expand its cancer care network.
Cabinet Secretary for Health Deborah Barasa said the country would add regional cancer centres in Kisumu, Kakamega, Meru, and Nyeri.
The new centres will join existing facilities in Nakuru, Mombasa, and Garissa, which are already operational.
“The expansion aims to decentralise cancer treatment, decongest referral hospitals, and improve access to care for communities across the country,” said CS Barasa during the 8th Kenya International Cancer Conference in Kisumu.
What the new cancer care centres mean to Kenya
According to CS Barasa, these new regional centres will bring essential services closer to communities while reducing pressure on national referral hospitals.
“Cancer continues to be the third leading cause of death in Kenya, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all Kenyans have equitable access to life-saving care,” said the CS.
Kenya is facing a significant challenge in combating cancer, with approximately 42,000 new cases and 27,000 cancer-related deaths reported in 2020.
The country’s health authorities are working towards reducing premature mortality from cancer by one-third by 2028, emphasising community involvement and social justice as core values in their strategy.
However, there needs to be more clarity among key entities leading the fight against this growing health crisis.
How the government is handling the war on cancer
Meanwhile, CS Barasa emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the growing cancer burden through improved early detection, better infrastructure, and service integration under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework.
The Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO) hosted the conference titled “Advancing Cancer Care in Africa in a Rapidly Changing World.”
It was attended by KESHO Interim President Helena Musau, Conference Chair Njoki Njirani, National Cancer Institute of Kenya Chair Timothy Olweny, and CEO Elias Melly, among others.
CS Barasa further highlighted the inclusion of cancer care packages in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHA) to ease the financial burden on patients, alongside efforts to strengthen the oncology workforce and improve diagnostic and treatment capacity.
The event brought together health experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to strategise on reducing Kenya’s cancer burden and enhancing access to life-saving interventions.
