In a significant step toward combating the rising burden of cancer in the country, the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Deborah Barasa Mulongo, has rolled out an ambitious plan to decentralize cancer treatment services. This move aims to enhance access to quality care while alleviating pressure on major referral hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and Kenyatta University Referral Hospital.
Speaking at the 8th Kenya International Cancer Conference (KICC) at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu, Dr. Mulongo outlined the Ministry’s strategic approach to expand regional access to cancer screening, treatment, and palliative care.
A Network of Regional Cancer Centres
The initiative has already seen the establishment of regional cancer centres in Mombasa, Garissa, and Nakuru, with plans underway to launch additional centres in Kisumu, Meru, Nyeri, and Kakamega by mid-next year. These centres aim to scale up the capacity of former Provincial General Hospitals, providing services such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, specialized medication, and holistic care for patients closer to their communities.
“We are on course to operationalize these centres, ensuring cancer patients can access high-quality care without traveling long distances,” Dr. Mulongo affirmed.
Building a Skilled Cancer Care Workforce
To support the expanded infrastructure, the Ministry is focusing on training and capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with both local and international partners. The program aims to enhance the expertise of oncologists, radiologists, oncology nurses, and physicists, ensuring a robust workforce equipped to meet the growing demand for cancer care services.
A Call for Collaboration and Affordable Care
Acknowledging cancer as the third leading cause of death in the country, with 44,726 cases reported annually, Dr. Mulongo emphasized the need for strengthened partnerships to improve infrastructure, data integration, and treatment affordability. She urged county governments to synchronize their cancer data with the National Cancer Registry, enabling evidence-based approaches to combat the disease.
Additionally, the CS highlighted the role of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), now rebranded as Taifa Care, in cushioning patients against the high cost of treatment. “Affordable and accessible healthcare is within reach. With Taifa Care, we are creating a system that eases the financial burden for all Kenyans,” she said.
This bold and transformative program underscores the Ministry of Health’s commitment to improving cancer care and bringing life-saving services closer to the people.
