GARISSA- Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Sunday visited the Garissa Regional Cancer Centre, one of the three specialized cancer treatment facilities in Kenya, alongside centers in Mombasa and Nakuru.
The visit highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the fight against cancer, a growing public health concern.
The Garissa Regional Cancer Centre, serving residents of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, Kitui, Isiolo, Lamu, and even neighboring Somalia, provides vital cancer treatment services to thousands in the region.
Duale, who inspected the center’s state-of-the-art equipment, reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring that patients receive the best care possible.
“This centre is a crucial healthcare nexus for the region. It’s vital that we continue to strengthen the infrastructure and resources available to those battling cancer,” said Duale. “The government’s focus is on improving patient care and reducing the financial barriers to treatment.”
Health CS @HonAdenDuale visited the Garissa Regional Cancer Centre today, one of Kenya’s three specialized cancer treatment facilities.
He toured the state-of-the-art equipment and praised the dedicated healthcare team working tirelessly to provide quality care to patients from… pic.twitter.com/44eyR5o7G0
— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) May 25, 2025
During his visit, the CS chaired a meeting with the centre’s staff, aimed at identifying operational challenges and discussing solutions to improve service delivery.
Health CS Aden Duale chairing a meeting with the staff at the Garissa Regional Cancer Centre. Photo/Courtesy
The centre currently serves approximately 40 patients daily, with 10 new cases, and 90% of the patients are registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), which fully funds their treatment within both the facility and the broader healthcare network.
The SHA’s expanded oncology package, worth Ksh 550,000, has significantly alleviated the financial burden on cancer patients, reflecting the government’s commitment to accessible healthcare.
Duale also mentioned that the Ministry of Health is working with pharmaceutical companies to explore ways of reducing the cost of drugs and consumables involved in cancer treatment.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the dedicated and hard-working healthcare professionals at this centre,” said Duale, adding, “Their commitment to the well-being of cancer patients is truly commendable.”
The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Dr. Joan-Paula Bor from the Ministry of Health’s National Cancer Control Program and Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane Muhumed during the visit.
