Kenya partners with IAEA to launch Advanced Mombasa Radiotherapy Centre to expand cancer care access

KENYA—The Kenyan government and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have officially commissioned the new radiotherapy centre at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa.

This marks a major step forward in expanding access to specialised cancer treatment services across the coastal region.

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale joined IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi during the launch ceremony, where the leaders unveiled the state-of-the-art oncology facility equipped with a modern Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine supplied through IAEA support.

The advanced equipment is expected to significantly improve the precision of radiotherapy while reducing treatment delays for cancer patients.

Expanded cancer treatment capacity

The newly installed LINAC machine is projected to double the hospital’s radiotherapy treatment capacity from 70 to 140 patients daily.

Hospital officials said the expansion will help reduce the long waiting lists that have forced many patients to seek treatment in Nairobi or private facilities, often at a high financial cost.

The technology also allows clinicians to target tumours more accurately while minimising damage to healthy tissues surrounding the cancerous cells.

In addition, the system is expected to reduce the number of hospital visits required for some patients undergoing treatment.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Duale described the project as part of Kenya’s broader strategy to decentralise specialised healthcare services under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

He noted that strengthening regional referral hospitals remains critical in improving equitable healthcare access for Kenyans living outside major urban centres.

The Cabinet Secretary further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment by continuing to invest in medical infrastructure, workforce training, and advanced treatment technologies.

Strengthening regional oncology services

The new facility is expected to ease pressure on national referral hospitals, particularly Kenyatta National Hospital, which handles a large share of Kenya’s cancer patients.

Patients from Mombasa and neighbouring counties have historically travelled long distances to Nairobi for radiotherapy services, resulting in additional transport and accommodation costs.

The launch also reinforces Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital’s growing role as a regional healthcare hub.

The hospital, which serves more than one million people in the Coastal region, has continued to expand specialised services, including cardiology, oncology, emergency care, and intensive care.

The commissioning event was hosted by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir in his capacity as Chairperson of the Council of Governors Health Committee.

The ceremony also brought together Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, officials from the Kenya National Cancer Institute, and other healthcare stakeholders involved in strengthening Kenya’s oncology care network.

Recent developments in Mombasa’s healthcare sector have also included the launch of new Level 3 facilities and the planned construction of Kongowea Level 4 Hospital, both projects aimed at easing pressure on Coast General and bringing healthcare services closer to underserved communities.