Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Sunday conducted an inspection tour of the Garissa Regional Cancer Centre, one of only three specialized public cancer treatment facilities in Kenya. The visit is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance cancer care and expand access to quality healthcare across the country.
The state-of-the-art facility, which serves as a critical lifeline for cancer patients in Garissa and neighboring counties, including Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, Kitui, Isiolo, Lamu, and even parts of Somalia, was established to decentralize cancer services that were once only available in Nairobi.
CS Duale examined the centre’s advanced medical equipment and met with healthcare professionals to assess operational challenges and explore strategies for improving service delivery. He reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of location, receive timely and quality cancer treatment.
“The Garissa Regional Cancer Centre is a beacon of hope for thousands. Our aim is to strengthen its capacity and replicate its success in other underserved regions,” said Duale during the visit.
The centre currently attends to approximately 40 patients daily, with about 10 new cancer cases reported each day. Importantly, 90 percent of these patients are enrolled under the Social Health Authority (SHA), which fully funds cancer treatment both locally and nationally. The SHA’s expanded oncology package has significantly reduced out-of-pocket expenses for patients, easing the financial strain that often accompanies cancer diagnoses.
Duale was accompanied by Dr. Joan-Paula Bor of the Ministry’s National Cancer Control Program and Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane Muhumed. The officials lauded the facility’s impact and pledged continued collaboration to ensure sustainable improvements in cancer care.
With cancer cases on the rise across Kenya, the government’s focus on regional centres like Garissa underscores its broader commitment to equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare for all.
Written By Rodney Mbua
