Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo Raises Alarm Over Rising Cancer Cases in Northern Kenya

Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo has raised serious concerns over the increasing number of cancer cases reported in Northern Kenya, describing the trend as alarming and a growing threat to families and communities across the region.

Speaking during an engagement with the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, Waqo called for urgent, comprehensive, and targeted research to establish the underlying causes of the rise in cancer cases. She emphasized that evidence-based findings are critical to informing sustainable and long-term mitigation strategies tailored to the unique realities of Northern Kenya.

“The people of Northern Kenya deserve clear answers and practical solutions,” Waqo said, noting that the lack of concrete data has continued to hinder effective policy responses to the growing health challenge.

The Marsabit Woman Representative further underscored the need to prioritize early cancer detection, improve access to treatment, and implement region-specific health interventions. She pointed out that marginalized areas in the region have historically faced limited access to healthcare services, exacerbating the impact of non-communicable diseases such as cancer.

In addition to health concerns, Waqo raised issues of equity in the ongoing Social Health Authority (SHA) recruitment and employment processes. She urged the government to ensure fair consideration of qualified youth and professionals from Northern Kenya, stressing that strengthening local capacity is key to effective and sustainable service delivery.

“Healthcare systems can only be sustainable when local communities are actively involved in their implementation,” she noted, adding that inclusive employment practices would enhance trust and efficiency within the health sector.

Waqo reaffirmed her commitment to continuous engagement and advocacy, stating that she will continue to push for policies that protect lives, improve health outcomes, and restore dignity to communities across Northern Kenya.