Kerugoya cancer centre offers relief, hope to thousands of patients

Since its inception in 2016, the Kerugoya Hospital Cancer Centre has supported over 3,000 patients.

by ALICE WAITHERA

Central16 July 2025 - 07:00

In Summary

Cancer patients in Kirinyaga and neighbouring counties have found new hope and help closer to home.
The facility holds regular support sessions every first Thursday of the month.

Alice Muriuki was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. She has undergone eight chemotherapy sessions and 15 rounds of radiotherapy at Kerugoya Hospital Cancer Centre in Kirinyaga County.

“This clinic has helped me so much. I was traumatised at first but coming here gave me hope. The doctors ensure we eat well, receive proper medication and have a strong support group that keeps us going,” she said.

Luka Wanjohi, who is recovering from prostate cancer since 2022, echoed the sentiments. After starting treatment at the cancer centre, he was referred to Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital. “I have liked the services offered at this cancer centre. We encourage each other here. I am grateful to the county government for establishing this facility,” Wanjohi echoed.

Samuel Warui has battled colon cancer since 2013 and undergone seven surgeries. Having previously spent two years at Kenyatta National Hospital, Warui said transport and treatment costs were overwhelming but noted that now he’s able to access subsidised services at the centre.

“I have done 12 chemotherapy sessions and 30 radiotherapy sessions. This centre has made care accessible for me and I am thankful to the county for taking care of us as cancer patients,” Warui said.

Cancer patients in Kirinyaga and neighbouring counties have found new hope and help closer to home, thanks to the special centre at Kerugoya Hospital.

The facility holds regular support sessions every first Thursday of the month, providing psychological support while offering patients affordable care, and conducting early screening.

The centre provides them with the extra support required while helping to reduce the stigma often associated with cancer.

Governor Anne Waiguru described the cancer centre as a landmark facility that is not only improving access to care but also saving lives across the county and the larger Mt Kenya region.

“Many people in Kirinyaga can now access the care they need under one roof, surrounded by their loved ones and without the burden of travelling long distances to referral hospitals,” Waiguru said.

The governor said cancer continues to pose serious socio-economic challenges, including loss of productivity, the high cost of treatment and premature deaths that threaten development goals.

In 2020, the Global Cancer Observatory estimated over 42,000 new cancer cases and more than 27,000 cancer-related deaths in Kenya.

“Here in Kirinyaga, one in every ten deaths is linked to cancer, making it the second leading cause of premature deaths in our county,” Waiguru said.

She urged residents to embrace routine cancer screening, emphasising that early detection remains key to successful treatment.

The centre offers screening for various cancers, including breast, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as consultations, health education and follow-up care.

Oncology nurse Robert Karanja said the facility attends to about 150 patients every month.

“We conduct screenings, provide consultations, guide patients through treatment, and ensure consistent follow-ups,” Karanja said.

Breast cancer is the most common diagnosis handled at the facility, accounting for approximately 23 per cent of all cases.

Karanja said every new patient receives counselling and is introduced to a support group for ongoing encouragement.

Oncology nurse Robert Karanja at the Kerugoya Cancer Centre in Kirinyaga County.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Since its inception in 2016, the Kerugoya Hospital Cancer Centre has supported over 3,000 patients living with various types of cancer, drastically reducing their travel costs to far-off referral hospitals. The facility holds regular support sessions every first Thursday of the month, providing psychological support while according patients affordable care, and conducting early screening services. Cancer survivors say the centre provides not only treatment but also hope and a supportive community for cancer warriors across Kirinyaga County.