NAIROBI, Kenya — Breast cancer patients in Kenya will soon pay significantly less for life-saving treatment following a landmark deal between the Ministry of Health and Roche East Africa that aims to make care more accessible and affordable.
The partnership, unveiled on Thursday by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, is set to slash the cost of each breast cancer treatment session from KES 120,000 to KES 40,000—without any co-payment from patients.
The agreement will be implemented across all Social Health Authority (SHA)-contracted facilities, including public, private, and faith-based hospitals.
“This partnership is not just about lowering costs—it’s about saving lives and restoring dignity to families battling cancer,” said Duale at the signing event in Nairobi. “We are committed to delivering equity in health and ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing quality care.”
Breast cancer patients in Kenya are set to benefit from a major cost reduction in treatment, with sessions expected to drop from KES 120,000 to KES 40,000 following a landmark partnership between the Ministry of Health and Roche East Africa.Presiding over the event, Health
The collaboration forms part of the government’s broader push to expand Universal Health Coverage (UHC), particularly in the fight against non-communicable diseases like cancer, which remains one of the country’s leading health burdens.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, key focus areas will include:
- Expanded access to essential breast cancer medicines and diagnostic tools
- Training and capacity-building for healthcare providers
- Nationwide efforts in early screening and detection of breast and cervical cancer
Duale also highlighted ongoing reforms within the Ministry, including the rollout of digital health systems to counter fake drugs and unlicensed practitioners.
“Our healthcare transformation is not just in promises—it’s in partnerships like these, which have a direct impact on patients,” he added.
Roche East Africa General Manager Jacqueline Wambua said the pharmaceutical company is committed to supporting Kenya’s fight against cancer, calling the deal a significant stride in ensuring equitable care.
The event brought together a high-level delegation including Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, SHA Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed, acting SHA CEO Robert Ingasira, Pharmacy and Poisons Board CEO Dr. Fred Siyoi, and KMPDC CEO Dr. David Kariuki.
This agreement marks one of the most aggressive cost-cutting moves in Kenya’s cancer care history, potentially changing the outlook for thousands of patients who have struggled to afford treatment.
