Kenya is set to receive ultra-modern cancer treatment and care equipment worth more than Sh250 million from the US to boost the fight against the disease.



The medical electron linear accelerators were donated by the US government through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In a statement on Friday, Kenya’s Ministry of Health (MoH) said the donation would boost the government’s efforts of enhancing cancer treatment and care through investments in advanced technology.

Speaking during a virtual meeting attended by IAEA senior officials and representatives from MoH, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the cancer menace is devastating many families in Kenya, noting that the donation is timely.

“Majority of cancer patients in the country and the region seek treatment services abroad. Therefore, there is an opportunity to intervene from within the country with better investments,” Kagwe said.

CS Kagwe also emphasized the need to boost cancer treatment to save lives and cushion vulnerable families from sinking into poverty.

He thanked the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the continued support, saying the collaboration has enhanced the country’s ability to tackle the challenges posed by cancer.

The Health Ministry says Kenya has registered commendable progress towards cancer treatment with the setting up of the Integrated Molecular Imaging Centre at Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital.

The ministry underscored the need to build human resources and the management of radioactive materials at the ports of entry to detect, isolate and manage radioactive materials.