By Linda Muhanji
In a major boost to Kenya’s healthcare system, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced a groundbreaking partnership between the Ministry of Health and pharmaceutical giant Roche East Africa aimed at making breast cancer treatment significantly more affordable for patients across the country.
Speaking at the launch event on Wednesday, Duale revealed that the cost of a single breast cancer treatment session will drop from Ksh120,000 to just Ksh40,000 — a 67% reduction. The initiative, unveiled on May 29, is part of the government’s broader efforts to expand access to lifesaving care and advance progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
"This partnership is a game-changer in the fight against cancer. It will ease the financial pressure on patients and their families, and ensure that lifesaving treatment is not out of reach for the average Kenyan," said Duale.
The program will be rolled out under the oversight of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and will be available in all SHA-accredited health facilities nationwide. These include public hospitals, faith-based medical institutions, and select private hospitals — ensuring that patients, regardless of location or financial status, have access to affordable cancer care.
A key feature of the initiative is the fixed treatment cost of Ksh40,000 per session, with no additional or hidden charges. Health officials say this measure will help reduce the number of patients who delay or abandon treatment due to high medical expenses — a common barrier in the fight against cancer in Kenya.
Present at the event was Jacqueline Wambua, General Manager of Roche East Africa, who reiterated the company’s dedication to improving cancer care on the continent.
"At Roche, we are committed to partnering with governments to ensure that effective treatment is accessible, affordable, and sustainable. This partnership is a step forward in reducing the cancer burden in Kenya and beyond," Wambua said.
The Ministry of Health highlighted that this initiative is a strategic response to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Kenya. Cancer, especially breast cancer, remains one of the leading causes of death, with many cases going untreated due to prohibitive costs.
The new agreement is expected to save thousands of lives, enhance the quality of care, and set a precedent for future public-private partnerships in healthcare.
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