In a major move to ease the burden of cancer care in Kenya, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced a landmark partnership between the Ministry of Health and global pharmaceutical giant Roche, aimed at dramatically reducing the cost of cancer therapy.
Under the agreement, the cost of a single session of cancer treatment—previously pegged at Ksh. 120,000—will now be subsidised to Ksh. 40,000. The entire amount will be fully covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA), meaning patients will pay nothing out-of-pocket, with no co-payment required.
Speaking on Sunday, CS Duale underscored the urgency of action in tackling the cancer epidemic, declaring it “not just a health crisis but a national emergency.” He added, “No Kenyan should die or suffer because they cannot afford timely treatment. This partnership is a critical step toward equity in healthcare.”
The announcement marks a turning point in Kenya’s fight against cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of death in the country. With many families previously forced to choose between life-saving care and financial ruin, the SHA-Roche collaboration promises to expand access to timely and affordable treatment.
Duale emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader government effort to strengthen the public health system, especially in the face of non-communicable diseases, and ensure that every Kenyan has a fair shot at survival and dignity.
