Hours after reports of the LINAC cancer machine breakdown at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has apologised to all those affected.

Duale assured that his Ministry was working to ensure that the machine is replaced and cancer treatment resumes as soon as possible.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the breakdown of the LINAC cancer treatment machine at Kenyatta National Hospital. The Ministry is fast-tracking the procurement of a replacement,” he said in a statement on Thursday, May 29.

Patients at KNH claimed that the hospital had sent them home despite not receiving treatment, and asked them to visit the hospital the following day. However, the biggest referral hospital in East and Central Africa announced that another cancer treatment machine that had broken down, the Cobalt radiotherapy machine, is now fully functional, giving hope to the cancer patients.

“KNH is also pleased to inform the public that the Cobalt radiotherapy machine, which had previously broken down, has now been fully restored and is operational,” KNH Chief Executive Officer, Dr William Sigilai, said. “We remain fully committed to delivering world-class, compassionate care.”

The hospital further promised to give the public regular updates on the procurement process of replacing the LINAC machine.