This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
Construction of a state-of-the-art cancer and research hospital has kicked off in Murang'a County, marking a significant milestone in the fight against cancer in Kenya.
Estimated to be constructed and equipped at a cost of Sh.2 billion, the facility is expected to admit its first patient in January 2021.
Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony for the 7-storey building at Murang'a County Hospital, Governor Mwangi wa Iria emphasized that the hospital will be a world-class facility, equipped with modern equipment capable of diagnosing early stages of cancer.
The hospital will have a bed capacity of 300 and will offer treatment at minimal rates to ensure that patients from all backgrounds can access quality care.
Wa Iria also announced that the county government will establish a medical foundation to mobilize resources for the effective implementation of the project, citing the high cost of cancer treatment as a major challenge.
He noted that many patients are unable to access hospitals in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the new hospital will offer relief to those in need of cancer treatment.
County Executive Member for Health, Mr. Joseph Mbai, hailed the move, stating that patients from the county have been struggling to access cancer treatment, with many Kenyans spending close to Sh.10 billion annually on cancer treatment in India-based hospitals.
