Duale Visits Garissa Regional Cancer Centre
The session aimed to identify barriers in cancer service delivery and explore practical solutions to improve efficiency and care outcomes.
Health CS Aden Duale visits Garissa Regional Cancer Centre, reaffirming government’s commitment to expanding cancer care in Kenya. Photo/Ministry of Health.
By Robert Assad
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made a significant stop at the Garissa Regional Cancer Centre today, underlining the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing cancer treatment across Kenya.
The facility, one of only three regional cancer centres in the country, plays a crucial role in bringing specialized care closer to underserved communities.
Located in northeastern Kenya, the Garissa Regional Cancer Centre serves a vast catchment area that includes Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, Kitui, Isiolo, Lamu, and even parts of neighbouring Somalia.
It is a vital hub for patients who would otherwise travel long distances to seek treatment in Nairobi.During his visit, CS Duale inspected the facility’s state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment, reiterating his pledge to ensure that patients receive high-quality care locally.
“This centre reflects our commitment to decentralizing cancer care and making it accessible to all Kenyans, regardless of their location,” he said.Duale also chaired a meeting with medical staff at the centre to discuss the operational challenges they face.
The session aimed to identify barriers in cancer service delivery and explore practical solutions to improve efficiency and care outcomes.The Garissa centre treats around 40 patients daily, with 10 of these being new cases.
Impressively, 90% of patients are registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), which fully covers their treatment. This financial support has lifted a significant burden from families grappling with the high cost of cancer care.
“The SHA’s expanded oncology package is a game-changer,” Duale noted. “It ensures that no one is left behind in the fight against cancer.”
He was accompanied by Dr. Joan-Paula Bor from the Ministry of Health’s National Cancer Control Program and Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane Muhumed, both of whom emphasized the importance of continued investment in healthcare infrastructure.
The Garissa Regional Cancer Centre joins facilities in Mombasa and Nakuru in forming a critical national network aimed at addressing Kenya’s rising cancer burden.
As the Ministry of Health continues to expand and support these centres, hope grows for thousands of patients in need of care closer to home.
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