Hope Rises as Mt Elgon Cancer Centre Opens

 

 A new dawn has broken for cancer patients in Trans Nzoia County following the official opening of the Mt Elgon Cancer Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that promises to transform cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research in the region.

The long-awaited centre, located within the Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital, was officially commissioned today in a ceremony attended by county leaders, medical experts, and cancer survivors.

Speaking during the launch, Prof. Ferdinand Nangole hailed the milestone as a major leap forward in the county’s fight against cancer. He urged residents to embrace early screening and regular medical check-ups as the most effective way to prevent and manage the disease.

“For men, prostate cancer is one of the most common types. We have screening tests available at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital, so let us not wait until the disease is advanced,” Prof. Nangole said.

He also emphasized the importance of awareness among women, highlighting breast cancer as a growing concern.

“Breast cancer, like any other cancer, is curable when detected early. You can live as long as God wants you to live,” he added.

The new centre will provide oncology and palliative care services, making specialized cancer treatment more accessible to local patients who have long been forced to travel to Eldoret, Kisumu, or Nairobi for care.

Prof. Nangole revealed that two oncology doctors from the county are currently pursuing specialized studies at the University of Nairobi, and will soon join the local team to enhance service delivery. Discussions are also underway to make the centre a satellite unit of the university’s Radioecology Department, with visiting specialists supporting diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Evance Manuthu, one of the key figures behind the project, described the commissioning as “the birth of Mt Elgon Cancer Centre,” commending Governor George Natembeya and the County Department of Health for their unwavering commitment to improving healthcare.

“It has been a year of struggle for cancer patients in this county. Many have had to travel far for treatment, which is costly and exhausting. This centre will change that,” said Dr. Manuthu.
“Cancer is not a death sentence. We can diagnose early, treat early, and save lives.”

Dr. Manuthu noted that Kenya records approximately 42,000 new cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually, stressing that early detection and awareness are key to reversing the trend.

The centre will also prioritize research, particularly into genetic and lifestyle risk factors contributing to cancer.

“With this facility, we’ll start collecting local data, doing research, and understanding our own patterns of disease,” Prof. Nangole said.

Cancer survivors and caregivers present at the event expressed relief and gratitude for the new facility.

Sylvia Wekesa, a cancer survivor, said the centre would ease the burden of long-distance travel for treatment.

“This centre will reduce our journeys to Eldoret and give us easier access to care,” she said.

Ambrose Wasike, another survivor, added:

“Cancer treatment is expensive. Having this centre close to home gives us hope.”

Carolyne Simiyu, a caregiver to two cancer patients, praised the palliative care team for their dedication.

“With this centre, many lives will be touched. The support we have received gives us strength,” she said.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by members of the Wamalwa Kijana Referral Hospital Board, including Teresa Metto, Ronald Masindano, Fr. Mica Kemboi, Alice Maranga, Dr. Isaac Babu (County Director of Medical Services), Dr. Nobert Musundi, and County Palliative Nurse Emmanuela Busara Webale, among other county officials.