Kenya strengthens cancer care infrastructure through regional service agreements

KENYA—Kenya is taking decisive steps to address its rising cancer burden as the country records approximately 44,000 new diagnoses each year.

The government is now focusing on ensuring the reliability of critical treatment infrastructure while expanding access to specialized oncology services across various regions.

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale presided over the signing of Intergovernmental Participation Agreements (IPAs) and tripartite Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for regional cancer centres located in Mombasa, Garissa, and Nakuru.

These agreements establish clear frameworks that will guide preventive maintenance, quality assurance, and rapid technical support for high-value radiotherapy equipment, with particular emphasis on linear accelerators that deliver life-saving cancer treatment.

Ensuring uninterrupted treatment services

The newly signed agreements aim to guarantee that cancer patients receive uninterrupted and safe treatment by keeping essential medical equipment operational at all times.

This initiative aligns with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda and seeks to transform regional facilities into dependable referral hubs that bring advanced cancer care closer to communities across the country.

By reducing delays and service disruptions, the government expects to enhance continuity of care for cancer patients who previously had to travel long distances to access treatment.

The Service Level Agreements will also safeguard public investment in oncology infrastructure by ensuring that expensive medical equipment remains functional and delivers maximum value to citizens.

Enhanced financial support for cancer patients

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding cancer treatment financing through the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The oncology benefits package has been increased to KES 800,000 (USD 6,200) per patient, providing comprehensive support for over 29 million registered Kenyans who can now access cancer treatment services with reduced financial burden.

This substantial increase in coverage demonstrates the government’s recognition of the high cost of cancer treatment and its determination to protect families from catastrophic health expenditures.

The enhanced financing mechanism operates through strengthened collaboration between national and county governments, alongside private sector partners, creating a more responsive and resilient cancer care system.

Call for county government support

During the ceremony, Hon. Duale called on the Council of Governors and county administrations to complement these national efforts by ensuring adequate deployment of trained personnel at regional cancer centres.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining a steady supply of essential consumables, including brachytherapy source wires, thermoplastic masks, and imaging reagents that medical teams require for daily clinical services.

The event brought together key stakeholders in Kenya’s health sector, including Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards).

Governors Abdulswamad Sherrif of Mombasa, Susan Kihika of Nakuru, and Nathif Jama of Garissa attended the ceremony alongside other senior government officials, demonstrating a unified approach to tackling the cancer crisis facing Kenyan communities.