The Government has intensified efforts to reduce the cost of cancer treatment through strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading pharmaceutical companies, even as construction of the Kisii Cancer Centre continues to make steady progress.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga made the remarks while addressing the press after inspecting the Kisii Cancer center, an ongoing national government project in Kisii town.
Dr. Oluga said the government has successfully negotiated significant price reductions for key cancer medicines through agreements with pharmaceutical firms, lowering the cost of certain breast cancer treatment regimens by more than 60 percent.
“We have MOUs with companies such as Roche that have substantially reduced the cost of breast cancer medicines. We are also engaging other manufacturers to further lower prices because we believe treatment should be more affordable for Kenyans,” he said.
He noted that more than 110,000 Kenyans are currently undergoing cancer treatment, with about 45,000 new cases diagnosed annually and over 29,000 deaths recorded each year, underscoring the growing national burden of cancer.
“Cancer remains one of the leading causes of premature deaths in Kenya, and the cost of treatment has historically placed a heavy financial strain on many families,” he said.
The Kisii Cancer Centre, Dr. Oluga said, is part of the national government’s broader strategy to expand oncology services and decongest major referral hospitals. The project resumed last year following administrative reviews and is expected to be completed within the current implementation timelines.
Currently, Kenya has six government-led cancer centres, with additional facilities being strengthened in counties such as Nakuru, Garissa and Mombasa to improve access to care closer to communities.
The PS said the Kisii facility will help address the high regional burden of cervical, breast, colorectal and oesophageal cancers, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to referral hospitals including Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
He added that the enhanced Social Health Authority (SHA) cancer care packages are designed to cushion patients from catastrophic health expenditure, as the government works to align infrastructure expansion with workforce development and sustainable drug pricing.
“We want this project completed on time and to standard. Beyond infrastructure, we are equally focused on ensuring adequate financing mechanisms and a properly trained healthcare workforce to deliver quality care,” he said.
Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke, who accompanied his Health counterpart during the inspection, said the project reflects a whole-of-government approach to delivering universal health coverage.
“This cancer centre is part of the administration’s commitment to strengthening specialised healthcare services and improving quality of life for wananchi,” said Isaboke.
He noted that the facility is envisioned not only as a treatment centre but also as a research and training hub that will support Western Kenya and neighbouring regions.
Representing the Kenya-UK Health Alliance and speaking on behalf of King’s College London, Professor Graham Lord said the partnership aims to support delivery of cancer care and research closer to communities.
“Our goal is to help ensure that the care delivered here aligns with international best practice, so that patients in Kisii and surrounding counties can access high-quality services locally,” he said.
Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo, speaking on behalf of the Kisii County Government, welcomed the national delegation and development partners, saying timely completion of the facility will significantly reduce the financial and social burden of cancer on families in the region.
The Kisii Cancer Centre is expected to strengthen regional oncology capacity, enhance research collaboration and ease pressure on national referral hospitals.
