Why cancer patients will soon start streaming to Kakamega county and not flying to India

Kakamega county government is set to sign an MoU with an Indian hospital for cancer diagnostic equipment and doctors’ exchange programmes.

On Tuesday, Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, will send specialists to treat cancer patients at the new Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The 750-bed facility will cost Sh6 billion by the time it is completed next year.   

“Cancer is alarmingly common in Kakamega and late diagnosis complicates treatment and the healing process, leading to unnecessary loss of life,” Oparanya said at Eshisiru centre, Lurambi sub county.

Late last month, the governor said his administration would seek Sh2 billion from international investors and the national government to equip the hospital.

Part of the money would be spent on equipping two new Level 4 hospitals in Mumias town and Shamakhubu in Shinyalu.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, Health CS Sicily Kariuki and Deputy President William Ruto during a tour of the Kakamega County Referral Hospital on October 20, 2018.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, Health CS Sicily Kariuki and Deputy President William Ruto during a tour of the Kakamega County Referral Hospital on October 20, 2018. 
Image: PSCU

“The state-of-the-art facility will provide comprehensive healthcare besides promoting health tourism. We have engaged international partners and the donor community to fast-track its completion. Phase 1 will be equipped and commissioned soon,” Oparanya said.

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