By CHRIS OTIENO
Nairobi City County has stepped up efforts to improve access to cancer screening and specialised care by offering free screening services to all residents throughout this month.
The exercise is ongoing at the Nairobi County Cancer Centre, a landmark public healthcare facility established to bring essential cancer services closer to the people.
Located along Swaminarayan Road in Parklands, the centre is part of the county government’s broader efforts to strengthen public healthcare services by making specialised cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment more accessible to residents who might otherwise struggle to obtain or afford such services.
Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Fredrick Obwanda said the establishment of the centre marked a significant milestone in expanding access to specialised cancer care within the public health system.
“The establishment of the Nairobi County Cancer Centre is a major milestone in our efforts to bring specialised cancer services closer to the people. We want residents to access screening, diagnosis and appropriate care within a public healthcare system without unnecessary barriers,” Obwanda said.
He noted that the high cost of cancer diagnosis and treatment remained a major challenge for many families, making accessible screening services essential in encouraging more people to seek medical attention before the disease progresses to advanced stages.
According to Obwanda, reducing the barriers that prevent residents from seeking medical attention is an important step towards improving health outcomes and ensuring that more patients receive timely medical advice and appropriate care.
The month-long initiative, which runs from October 1 to October 31, is designed to encourage residents to take advantage of the available services, receive professional medical guidance and make informed decisions about their health.
Through the campaign, the county hopes to raise awareness about the importance of routine screening and encourage residents to take a more proactive approach to their health by seeking medical advice before symptoms become severe.
Health experts continue to emphasise the importance of early detection, noting that identifying cancer at an earlier stage can improve treatment options and outcomes. However, delayed diagnosis remains a major challenge, often leaving patients with more complex treatment needs and placing a heavier financial and emotional burden on their families.
When cancer is detected late, patients may require more intensive treatment, while the associated medical expenses can put considerable pressure on households already struggling to meet their daily needs. Early screening, therefore, remains an important component of efforts to improve cancer management and reduce the consequences of delayed diagnosis.
Obwanda urged residents to take advantage of the free screening campaign, emphasising that routine health checks can play an important role in identifying potential health concerns early and helping individuals make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
“We encourage all Nairobi residents to take advantage of this opportunity and make screening part of their regular health routine. Early detection can make a significant difference in the management of cancer, and our goal is to ensure that more people come forward for screening and receive professional medical advice,” he said.
By opening the screening services to all Nairobi residents at no cost during October, the county is seeking to reduce financial barriers that may discourage people from seeking medical attention and promote a culture of preventive healthcare and regular medical check-ups.
The initiative is also intended to encourage residents to view screening as an essential part of maintaining their health rather than waiting until they develop symptoms before visiting a medical facility.
Residents have been encouraged to visit the Nairobi County Cancer Centre at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital during the campaign period to access screening services and receive guidance from healthcare professionals on cancer prevention, early detection and appropriate medical care.
The facility’s lead oncologist is Dr Titus Lubobi.
The availability of these services at a public healthcare facility provides residents with an opportunity to seek professional medical advice while helping raise awareness about the importance of identifying potential health problems before they become more difficult to manage.
The initiative underscores the importance of investing in public health infrastructure that not only responds to illness but also supports prevention, early diagnosis and timely intervention. By bringing specialised services closer to residents, the county is seeking to strengthen the role of public healthcare facilities in addressing the growing need for accessible and affordable medical care.
With the free screening campaign running until October 31, the county is urging residents to make use of the opportunity as part of broader efforts to improve access to healthcare, encourage early diagnosis and strengthen the fight against cancer.
The campaign further highlights the need for continued public awareness and accessible screening services to help residents make informed healthcare decisions and seek medical attention when necessary. The county hopes that encouraging more people to undergo screening will contribute to earlier detection and improve access to appropriate care for those who need it.
