The Nakuru Regional Cancer Centre is set for a significant transformation into a major referral facility that will serve 24 counties in Kenya. This strategic move is part of a broader effort to enhance access to cancer treatment, particularly in underserved regions, and is anchored within the government’s Taifa Care Model that champions equitable and accessible healthcare for all citizens.
The upgrade will be implemented through the National Equipment Services Programme (NESP), a public-private partnership that operates on a fee-for-service leasing model. This approach allows counties to receive high-end medical equipment without the upfront cost burden, making advanced healthcare technology more accessible at the grassroots level.
Under the plan, Nakuru County will receive an extensive range of modern diagnostic and treatment equipment. Facilities in Molo and Bahati will be equipped with CT scan machines, while Annex will offer dialysis and mammography services. Additional upgrades will include the installation of specialized laboratories, X-ray machines, ultrasound units, and fully equipped surgical theatres in various sub-county hospitals
These developments are expected to significantly reduce the distance and cost patients incur to access vital cancer care. The decentralization of services will also ease pressure on national referral hospitals and enhance early diagnosis, a critical factor in improving cancer treatment outcomes.
In addition to the infrastructure upgrade, a renewed commitment has been made to ensure strict regulation of pharmaceutical services across the country. Pharmacies will only be permitted to dispense medication if they have authorization from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board. This measure aims to eliminate unauthorized drug distribution and promote public confidence in the safety and effectiveness of medication provided through licensed health facilities.
The broader vision of the initiative aligns with the country’s health reform agenda, prioritizing high-quality service delivery, improved health outcomes, and a robust health system that is responsive to the needs of all Kenyans. The upgraded Nakuru Regional Cancer Centre is poised to become a central hub for oncology services, not only providing treatment but also fostering early detection, follow-up care, and professional training.
This landmark upgrade signals a pivotal step in transforming cancer care and bringing life-saving health services closer to millions across Kenya.
