Nairobi’s first public cancer centre expands as county offers free services

Nairobi City County has stepped up efforts to improve access to cancer screening and specialised care, offering free screening services to all residents throughout October at the Nairobi County Cancer Centre, a landmark public healthcare facility at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.

Located along Swaminarayan Road in Parklands, the centre is part of the county’s efforts to strengthen public healthcare services by bringing specialised cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment closer to residents who might otherwise struggle to access or afford such services.

Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Fredrick Obwanda said the establishment of the centre marked a significant step towards 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 cost of cancer diagnosis and treatment remained a major challenge for many families, making accessible screening services critical in encouraging more people to seek medical attention before the disease advances.

The month-long initiative, running 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.

Health experts continue to emphasise the importance of early detection, as identifying cancer at an earlier stage can improve treatment options and outcomes.

However, delayed diagnosis remains a challenge, often leaving patients with more complex treatment needs and placing a heavier financial and emotional burden on their families.

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.

“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 offering screening services to all Nairobi residents at no cost during October, the county is seeking to reduce financial barriers and promote a culture of preventive healthcare and regular medical check-ups.

Residents have been encouraged to visit the Nairobi County Cancer Centre at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital during the campaign period to access screening and guidance from healthcare professionals.