Kenya is intensifying efforts to address the rising cancer burden through strengthening critical treatment infrastructure and expanding access to specialized oncology services across the country.
Today, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, presided over the signing of Intergovernmental Participation Agreements (IPAs) and tripartite Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to operationalize regional cancer centres in Mombasa, Garissa, and Nakuru. The NCI-K CEO reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to strengthening coordinated cancer control efforts.
NCI-K CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, during the signing of Intergovernmental Participation Agreements (IPAs)
The agreements establish structured frameworks for preventive maintenance, quality assurance, and timely technical support for essential radiotherapy equipment, particularly linear accelerators, to ensure safe, reliable, and uninterrupted cancer treatment services.
Aligned with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, this initiative seeks to position regional facilities as strong referral hubs, bringing advanced cancer care closer to communities while minimizing delays and service interruptions.
The Government has also reiterated its commitment to improving cancer treatment financing through the Social Health Authority (SHA), increasing the oncology benefits package to KES 800,000 per patient, benefiting over 29 million registered Kenyans. Strengthened collaboration between national and county governments, together with private sector partners, will be key in building a more responsive and resilient cancer care system.
The Cabinet Secretary further called upon the Council of Governors and county governments to support these efforts by ensuring adequately trained personnel and a consistent supply of essential consumables, including brachytherapy source wires, thermoplastic masks, and imaging reagents required for daily clinical operations.
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