Kenya Opens New Cancer Center to Save Thousands

Thousands of Kenyans who travel long distances for cancer treatment will soon find help closer to home as the government moves forward with a new cancer center in Kisii.

The facility is part of Kenya's push to decentralize cancer care across the country. Right now, only six public cancer centers serve the entire nation, forcing patients to journey to overcrowded referral hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment.

The numbers tell a sobering story. Kenya diagnoses 45,000 new cancer cases every year and records 29,000 cancer deaths annually. Nearly 110,000 patients are currently undergoing treatment, putting enormous strain on the limited facilities available.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga inspected the construction site and emphasized the urgent need for more centers. "This institution is part of the national response to ensure we establish more cancer centres across the country," he said during the visit.

Cancer ranks as Kenya's third leading cause of death after infectious and cardiovascular diseases. Breast, cervical, and prostate cancers create the highest burden for patients and healthcare systems alike.

The Ripple Effect

The new Kisii center represents more than just one building. It signals a nationwide shift toward bringing specialized care into regional communities instead of concentrating it in distant cities.

The government has already supported cancer centers in Nakuru, Garissa, and Mombasa to strengthen their management. This decentralized approach forms a key pillar of Kenya's Universal Health Coverage agenda, making quality care accessible regardless of where people live.

King's College London has joined the effort through a Kenya-UK health partnership. Professor Graham Lord noted that Kisii County hosted their first British-supported project in Kenya and pledged to help local cancer care meet global standards.

Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke said the visible progress on construction shows real commitment to delivering quality healthcare. "Completion of this project will help our people access screening and treatment services closer home," he told officials during the inspection.

The center will significantly improve early detection and treatment outcomes for patients across the South Nyanza region while relieving pressure on national hospitals.