This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
On Thursday, Machakos County made history by opening a cancer care and research center, the first of its kind in Kenya. The facility, valued at Ksh50 million, is located at the county's premier health installation, Machakos level 5 hospital.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Alfred Mutua announced that residents registered under the universal health care program will receive free treatment from the center. The facility will provide essential services including screening, diagnosis, counseling, and chemotherapy treatment.
Residents from the south eastern Kenya economic block will receive special rates, while citizens from the entire country will pay a subsidized price, the cheapest in Kenya, according to Governor Mutua. The center has been equipped with state-of-the-art equipment purchased by the county government and others sourced through well-wishers, including the Kenya cancer association.
Next year, the county plans to include the purchase of a Ksh 300 million radio therapy machine in its budget, Governor Mutua added.
Healthcare has been a top priority for the Machakos government, accounting for 32.5% of the total budget. The county has also made significant strides in healthcare, including the purchase of 80 ambulances in 2014, which have saved lives and facilitated the delivery of 52,012 babies on the way to hospital.
The county assembly has lauded the executive for establishing the cancer center and pledged to assist in sourcing for equipment and expertise to ensure the facility provides high-quality services to the public.
