By M, KNA
Kenya is strengthening its response to the growing cancer burden, with about 44,000 new cases diagnosed annually, by securing the reliability of critical treatment infrastructure and expanding access to specialised oncology services across the regions.
To address these gaps, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has presided over the signing of Intergovernmental Participation Agreements (IPAs) and tripartite Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for regional cancer centres in Mombasa, Garissa and Nakuru counties.
Duale highlighted that the agreements set out clear frameworks for preventive maintenance, quality assurance and rapid technical support for high-value radiotherapy equipment, particularly linear accelerators, to ensure uninterrupted and safe cancer treatment.
According to CS Duale, the initiative, aligned with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, aims to transform regional facilities into dependable referral hubs, bringing advanced cancer care closer to communities while reducing delays and service disruptions.
“By safeguarding the functionality of critical machines, the SLAs will enhance continuity of care and protect public investment in oncology infrastructure,” affirmed the CS.
Further, he also reaffirmed the Government commitment to expanding cancer treatment financing through the Social Health Authority (SHA), with the oncology benefits package increased to KES 800,000 per patient, supporting over 29 million registered Kenyans.
“Strengthened collaboration between national and county governments, alongside private partners, is expected to build a more responsive and resilient cancer care system,” he added.
Meanwhile, Duale called on the Council of Governors and county administrations to complement these efforts by ensuring adequately trained personnel and a steady supply of essential consumables, including brachytherapy source wires, thermoplastic masks and imaging reagents required for daily clinical services.
The ceremony was attended by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), as well as Governors Abdulswamad Sherrif (Mombasa), Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Nathif Jama (Garissa), among other senior government officials.