Kenyan breast cancer patients are set to benefit from a major reduction in treatment costs following a new partnership between the Ministry of Health and Roche East Africa. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the development, noting that treatment costs per session will drop from Ksh.120,000 to Ksh.40,000 under a Memorandum of Understanding facilitated by the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The agreement, part of Kenya’s broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan, aims to improve financial protection for patients battling cancer one of the leading non-communicable diseases in the country. Notably, the new Ksh.40,000 cost per session will be a ceiling price, with patients not required to make any co-payments. This move is expected to make treatment more accessible to thousands of Kenyans who previously found it unaffordable.
The partnership will be rolled out across all SHA-contracted healthcare facilities, including public hospitals, faith-based institutions, and private facilities. According to Duale, this inclusive implementation is designed to ensure equitable access to quality treatment regardless of patients’ geographical or economic background.
Beyond reducing treatment costs, the collaboration also includes expanded access to cancer medications, enhanced diagnostic services, and training for healthcare workers in breast and cervical cancer management. Additionally, the Ministry plans to scale up cancer screening programs to facilitate early detection, which is critical for improving treatment outcomes.
“This partnership is not only about reducing treatment costs; it’s about saving lives, promoting equity, and reinforcing the integrity of our healthcare system,” Duale said during the announcement.
He also highlighted broader healthcare reforms underway, such as the rollout of digital health systems aimed at combating counterfeit medicines and curbing the influence of unqualified practitioners.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to transform Kenya’s healthcare landscape. With breast cancer being one of the most prevalent cancers among women in Kenya, the new measures are expected to alleviate financial strain on families and improve survival rates through better access to timely and affordable treatment.
