Kenya has moved to strengthen its fight against cancer through a new deal with global health technology company Siemens Healthineers, as the government continues to roll out its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale met a team from Siemens led by Vice President Kevin Ani Massoudi, where the two sides explored ways of widening access to cancer treatment and diagnostic services.
Duale said the government is keen to bring specialised care closer to the people.
He noted that new regional cancer centres are already coming up in Mombasa, Nakuru and Garissa facilities that will spare patients the struggle of travelling long distances for treatment.
The CS also pointed to reforms under the National Equipment Service Project (NESP), which is supplying hospitals with modern machines.
He further highlighted a deal with Roche that cut the cost of Herceptin, a key breast cancer drug, from Sh120,000 to Sh40,000 per session.
The treatment is now fully covered under the Social Health Authority.
Talks with Siemens focused on signing long-term service agreements and using the company’s expertise in areas such as digital health, artificial intelligence, staff training and technology transfer.
“Kenya wants to take the lead in sustainable cancer care, and partnerships like this will help us get there,” Duale said.
The Ministry of Health and Siemens also agreed to set up a joint technical working group to guide the rollout of equipment under NESP and improve access to radiotherapy and diagnostic services.
Duale was accompanied by Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and National Cancer Institute CEO Dr. Elias Melly.
