This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
On July 30, 2019, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) made a plea on social media for help in constructing a cancer hostel, citing a need for a facility to accommodate cancer patients undergoing outpatient treatment.
The proposed project, which would be the first of its kind in Kenya, involves the construction of a three-floored building with a capacity for 140 patients, a day respite area, a cancer resource centre, a restaurant, and other support services, at a cost of Sh230 million.
Additionally, KNH is seeking to establish an endowment fund of Sh200 million to support the operations of the cancer hostel.
However, Kenyans on social media were quick to express their skepticism about the plea, citing the recent corruption scandal involving the Ministry of Health, in which more than Sh5 billion was stolen.
Many Kenyans pointed out that KNH is a parastatal and that the government should fund the project, rather than relying on donations from the public.
Some of the comments on social media included:
“Kenyans fear telling the truth. Considering the amount we lost through Corruption, I call as well name this call by Kenyatta National Hospital a serious scam to the public. Before we donate our money, let them recover the public funds stolen by politicians and use it to do so. Otherwise, if we donate this then no paying tax,” said David Ochola.
Others questioned why the government was not providing the necessary resources for the project, given the country's commitment to universal healthcare.
As one Twitter user pointed out, the government had allocated Sh7.9 billion to the Ministry of Health in the budget, and that this money could be used to fund the cancer hostel project.
