MOMBASA, Kenya — Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding specialised healthcare services as a pillar of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) during a tour of key health facilities in Mombasa County.
Duale visited the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital and the Regional Cancer Treatment Centre, where he said the national government remains focused on decentralising advanced medical services to reduce the burden on patients seeking care in Nairobi.
At the centre of the visit was the Comprehensive Cancer Centre, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with Linear Accelerator (LINAC) technology for radiotherapy.
The facility has significantly improved access to cancer treatment along the Coast by offering specialised services closer to patients’ homes.
The centre, established by the National Government in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), serves at least 75 patients daily and is among the three major public cancer treatment facilities in the country.
Duale said the investment reflects the government’s resolve to strengthen specialised healthcare at the county level and ensure equitable access to life-saving services.
“The expansion of regional cancer treatment centres is a deliberate effort to bring specialised care closer to the people and ease the financial and emotional burden on patients and families,” he said.
On maternal and child health, the Cabinet Secretary noted that Kenya remains on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 3.1 and 3.2 by 2030 through the Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) initiative.
He said the Ministry of Health is rolling out a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) aimed at reducing maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality.
The initiative, he added, prioritises strengthening referral systems and improving access to emergency obstetric and newborn care across the country.
Duale emphasised that health workers remain central to the ongoing reforms, citing continued collaboration with county governments in training, deployment, and retention of medical personnel.
He also pointed to targeted efforts to expand and strengthen the oncology workforce to support sustainable cancer care.
On health data and accountability, the Cabinet Secretary said digital health systems under the Digital Health Authority are enhancing planning and oversight, particularly through integration with the National Cancer Registry.
Addressing health financing reforms, Duale said the Social Health Authority (SHA) is already delivering results, with more than 29 million Kenyans registered.
He noted that the enhanced oncology benefits package now provides coverage of up to Sh800,000 per household.
He urged Kenyans to prioritise preventive healthcare, including regular cancer screening and HPV vaccination for girls aged 10 to 14 years, as part of a broader strategy to build a healthier and more resilient population.
The visit was attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, National Cancer Institute of Kenya CEO Elias Melly, and Mombasa County leaders led by Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir.
