Health CS Reaffirms Commitment to Expanding Cancer Care Access

𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 - 𝟐𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing cancer-related suffering and deaths as part of Kenya’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Speaking during the 2nd National Cancer Summit in Nairobi, Duale outlined key reforms, including the decentralisation of cancer care through operational centres in Nairobi, Eldoret, Kiambu, Mombasa, Garissa, and Nakuru.

He cited progress in prevention through the integration of the HPV vaccine into routine immunisation for girls aged 9–14, and expanded community-based screening for breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancers. He added that referral systems are being strengthened to ensure timely access to treatment.

The CS said over 24.9 million Kenyans have enrolled under the Social Health Authority (SHA), which provides up to KSh 550,000 annually for cancer diagnosis and treatment under SHIF and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund.

He also announced a partnership between the Ministry and Roche to provide Herceptin® 600mg SC and other HER2+ therapies to eligible beneficiaries. The partnership has reduced the cost of treatment from KSh 120,000 to KSh 40,000 per session, fully covered under SHA with no co-payment.

Duale said the Ministry is also scaling up diagnostics through the National Equipment Service Project (NESP), with mammograms installed in Kisumu and Kerugoya, and CT scans operational in 15 counties, with installations ongoing in 15 more.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi called for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration in cancer prevention and echoed support for decentralising cancer treatment.

Duale urged county governments to prioritise cancer care in their budgets and called on the media, civil society, and citizens to raise awareness, break stigma, and support early detection.

Those present included Dr. Timothy Olweny, Board Chair of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya; H.E. Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Governor of Kisumu County; and Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), Mohamed Liban (Petroleum), Dr. Salome Muhia-Beacco (Correctional Services), and Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak (Science, Research and Innovation).