Doctors and nurses from Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital march to mark World Cancer Day on February 4, 2026. Photo/Lawrence Ongaro
By Lawrence Ongaro
The Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) marked World Cancer Day on Wednesday, February 4, by screening 145 family members at Kamiti Maximum Prison.
The cancer types targeted during the outreach were prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. A total of 61 men and 84 women underwent screening.
Dr. Gladwell Gathecha, who read a speech on behalf of Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, emphasized the importance of early cancer screening and detection. The theme of the event was “United by Unique.”
Dr. Gathecha noted that cancer treatment remains costly, explaining that expenses have now risen to as much as Sh800,000, up from Sh550,000 previously.
Calls to strengthen Cancer care
“County governments need to equip their health facilities with essential cancer treatment equipment to prevent patients from traveling long distances in search of care,” Dr. Gathecha said.
Dr. Caroline Ngugi, Director of Training and Research, read a speech on behalf of KUTRRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Zainab Gura.
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She stressed the need to strengthen technology to make cancer treatment more efficient and accessible.
She said it was a proud moment for KUTRRH to visit Kamiti Prison and conduct cancer screening clinics for 145 families. She also praised the close collaboration between Nairobi County and the national government.
Partnerships and expanded access
During the event, various stakeholders and sponsors from different organizations addressed attendees and commended their partnership with KUTRRH. Some of the organizations represented included KEMRI, Faraja, Max Foundation, C-CAN, Stima Sacco, and Nairobi County.
Currently, major regional cancer screening centers are located in Mombasa, Garissa, and Nakuru.
Read more:Late detection driving high cervical cancer deaths among women -MoH
Dr. Abed Athman from the Oncology Department at KUTRRH urged members of the public to visit hospitals for regular cancer screening. He noted that in the past, patients had to travel abroad to seek specialized cancer treatment, but now the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme covers such care locally.
Dr. Harish Nagaraj, head of the Integrated Molecular Imaging Centre (IMIC) at KUTRRH, revealed that between 2022 and 2025, the hospital has screened approximately 21,000 cancer patients.
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