This archive report was first published on 4 July 2020.
On July 4, 2020, Murang'a County Governor Mwangi wa Iria officially broke ground on a Sh.2 billion cancer and research hospital, marking a significant milestone in the county's healthcare sector.
The 7-storey facility, which is expected to admit its first patients by January 2021, will have a 300-bed capacity and be equipped with modern equipment capable of diagnosing early stages of cancer.
During the ground-breaking ceremony, Governor wa Iria emphasized the importance of the project, stating that it will provide relief to patients who have been struggling to access cancer treatment in overseas facilities, particularly in India, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Our people are suffering as they cannot travel for treatment in overseas medical facilities. This centre will offer relief and will treat all patients including those from poor backgrounds. The services will be levied at minimal rates to ensure the poor also get treatment," Governor wa Iria said.
The county administration has partnered with Spanish medical facilities to provide training to oncologists, who will be employed soonest possible. Tendering for equipment will also commence next month to ensure the hospital is commissioned on time.
County Executive Member for Health, Joseph Mbai, hailed the move, stating that patients from the county have been struggling to treat cancer, with many unable to meet treatment costs. He noted that Kenyans who seek cancer treatment in India-based hospitals use close to Sh.10 billion annually.
The Murang'a administration has been working to establish specialized hospitals in the county, with a 35-bed capacity ICU recently commissioned in Gatanga and an orthopedic facility nearing completion.
