This archive report was first published on 1 October 2021.
Meru MCAs have passed the Meru Cancer Institute (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which now awaits Governor Kiraitu Murungi’s action.
According to the MCAs, cancer has left many families in Meru impoverished, forcing them to sell land to cover treatment costs, travel expenses, and other related costs.
Health Committee Chairman Martin Mworia emphasized the need to expedite research at Kiegoi, Riaki, and Buuri, where high cancer prevalence rates have been reported.
MCAs also pointed to the high cost of specialized treatment in Nairobi, which many patients cannot afford.
“Cancer is ravaging Meru more than others (counties). I attend fundraisers all the time. Patients go for specialised treatment in Nairobi, which many cannot afford,” said Martin Koome, MCA for Nkuene.
The MCAs are also seeking to establish if pesticides and asbestos used in buildings in Kiegoi are to blame for the high cancer rates in the area.
Published on October 1, 2021.
