Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale visited the Garissa Regional Cancer Centre on May 25, 2025, as part of the Ministry of Health’s continued efforts to enhance cancer care services across Kenya. The Garissa centre is one of only three specialized cancer treatment facilities in the country, alongside centres located in Mombasa and Nakuru. This visit highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure to better address the growing cancer burden.
The Garissa Regional Cancer Centre plays a vital role in providing oncology services to a wide catchment area that includes the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, Kitui, Isiolo, Lamu, and even neighboring Somalia. Serving as a regional hub, the facility ensures that patients in these areas can access specialized cancer diagnosis and treatment closer to home, reducing the need for long-distance travel to the coastal or central parts of Kenya.
During his visit, the Cabinet Secretary toured the centre’s facilities and examined the advanced medical equipment available for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The inspection was part of a broader review to assess the operational capacity of the centre and identify areas that require further support and enhancement. He reiterated the government’s pledge to improve the quality and accessibility of cancer care services to meet the increasing demand.
The CS’s engagement with the healthcare staff was a key part of the visit. He chaired a meeting with doctors, nurses, and other health workers to discuss ongoing challenges affecting service delivery and to gather insights on how best to support them in their critical roles. The discussion focused on operational difficulties, resource gaps, and strategies to boost morale and efficiency in managing cancer patients. The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the dedication of the staff, recognizing the crucial role they play in improving patient outcomes despite constraints.
On average, the Garissa centre attends to around 40 patients daily, with approximately 10 being newly diagnosed cases. The facility caters to a diverse patient population, with about 90% of them registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) program. This health insurance initiative has been pivotal in expanding access to oncology services by fully covering the costs of cancer treatment for registered patients. The SHA’s comprehensive oncology package alleviates the financial strain often associated with cancer care, enabling patients to receive timely and effective treatment without incurring prohibitive expenses.
The visit also underscored the importance of regional cooperation and the centre’s role in serving neighboring countries, especially Somalia, where access to specialized cancer treatment is limited. By extending services to patients from neighboring regions, the Garissa Regional Cancer Centre is contributing to cross-border health collaboration and improving cancer care outcomes in the wider East African region.
Accompanying the Cabinet Secretary were Dr. Joan-Paula Bor, a representative from the National Cancer Control Program, and Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane Muhumed. Their presence highlighted the multi-stakeholder approach adopted by the government to tackle cancer, involving national programs, county leadership, and local health institutions working in tandem.
This visit comes at a time when Kenya is experiencing a rising incidence of cancer, reflecting global trends that see non-communicable diseases becoming an increasing public health challenge. Strengthening regional cancer centres like Garissa is critical to decentralizing cancer care, reducing disparities in access, and ensuring that patients receive prompt and appropriate treatment regardless of their geographic location.
In conclusion, the Cabinet Secretary’s visit to the Garissa Regional Cancer Centre demonstrates a firm commitment to advancing cancer care in Kenya. By investing in infrastructure, supporting healthcare workers, and expanding health insurance coverage, the Ministry of Health aims to improve survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients in the region. Continued focus on these priorities will be essential to managing the growing cancer burden and achieving equitable health outcomes across the country.
