CS Duale Reaffirms Commitment to Specialized Healthcare During Mombasa Health Facility Tour

Nairobi, Kenya - 29 January 2026 
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today toured the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital and the Regional Cancer Treatment Centre in Mombasa County, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening specialized healthcare services nationwide in line with Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The state-of-the-art Comprehensive Cancer Centre, equipped with Linear Accelerator (LINAC) technology, is transforming access to cancer care by significantly reducing the need for patients to travel to Nairobi for radiotherapy. The facility provides high-quality, specialized treatment closer to communities along the Coast region.

Established by the National Government in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the center serves at least 75 patients daily and is one of three key cancer treatment facilities in the country. It reflects the Government’s resolve to decentralize specialized services and bring life-saving care closer to the people.

During the visit, Hon. Duale reaffirmed that through the Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) initiative, Kenya remains firmly on course to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3.1 and 3.2 by 2030. He noted that the Ministry is rolling out a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, with a strong focus on strengthening referral systems and emergency obstetric and newborn care.

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that health workers remain central to ongoing reforms, noting continued investments working closely with County Governments in training, deployment, and retention, alongside targeted efforts to strengthen the oncology workforce for quality and sustainable cancer care.

He further highlighted that digital health systems, under the Digital Health Authority, are enhancing accountability and data-driven planning through integration with the National Cancer Registry.

On health financing, Hon. Duale noted that reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA) are delivering tangible benefits, with over 29 million Kenyans registered and an enhanced oncology benefits package of up to KES 800,000 per household.

The Cabinet Secretary urged Kenyans to prioritize regular cancer screening and adopt preventive measures, including HPV vaccination for girls aged 10–14 years, as the country works towards a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous future.

The CS is accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms Mary Muthoni, and is hosted by Mombasa County leadership led by Governor H.E. Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir.