KERUGOYA – Thousands of cancer patients in Kirinyaga County and neighboring regions are now receiving care closer to home, thanks to the Kerugoya Hospital Cancer Center. The facility has become a critical pillar in the county’s response to the growing burden of cancer, offering screening, treatment, and psychological support under one roof.
Since its launch in 2016, the center has served over 3,000 patients. It hosts support sessions every first Thursday of the month and is credited with reducing the strain of long-distance travel for treatment.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru described the facility as a lifesaving milestone for the region. “With this center, many people in Kirinyaga can now access the care they need, surrounded by their families, without the hardship of traveling to referral hospitals,” Waiguru said during a recent visit.
She emphasized that cancer is the second leading cause of early death in the county, with one in ten deaths linked to the disease. “In 2020, the Global Cancer Observatory reported over 42,000 new cancer cases in Kenya and more than 27,000 deaths. We are not exempt from these figures,” she said.
Waiguru urged residents to prioritize regular screening, noting that early detection remains the most effective defense. The center currently offers tests for breast, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as follow-up consultations and health education.
Oncology Nurse Robert Karanja said the facility handles about 150 patients each month. “We provide screening, consultations, and long-term follow-up. Breast cancer remains the most common condition we see, making up about 23 percent of all cases,” Karanja said. He added that new patients receive counseling and are connected to peer support groups.
Patients who spoke to the press described the center as life-changing.
Alice Muriuki, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, said she completed eight chemotherapy sessions and 15 rounds of radiotherapy. “This clinic gave me hope. I was scared in the beginning, but the staff here are supportive. We have a strong community,” Muriuki said.
Luka Wanjohi, who has managed prostate cancer since 2022, said the facility brought care within reach. “I like the services here. The staff are welcoming, and being around other patients gives me strength,” he said.
Samuel Warui, a colon cancer survivor since 2013, said the center had eased his journey after years of costly treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital. “I’ve done 12 chemotherapy and 30 radiotherapy sessions. Being able to access care here without high transport costs has changed my life,” Warui said.
The county government plans to expand partnerships with national and regional hospitals to further strengthen services. The Kerugoya Hospital Cancer Center continues to offer patients not only medical care but also a renewed sense of dignity and a community of shared experience.
About the Author
