Cancer patients across Kenya will now access enhanced treatment support under the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme. The government increased the oncology package by Ksh250,000, responding to months of public concern over high treatment costs.
SHA Oncology Package Upgraded
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that the package now totals Ksh800,000 per patient, up from Ksh550,000 previously. The benefits include diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, surgery, palliative care, consumables, and advanced imaging like PET/CT scans and MRIs at approved facilities.
PS Omollo said the upgraded package will significantly reduce treatment costs for patients and families struggling with cancer expenses. SHA emphasised the government’s commitment to improving access through policy reforms and strengthened health infrastructure nationwide.
The government is also advancing construction of specialised cancer centres to reach marginalised regions more effectively. PS Omollo revealed that the Kisii Cancer Centre is 30 per cent complete, targeting communities in South Nyanza once finished.
Kisii Cancer Centre Progress
The third floor of the Kisii facility is under construction and expected to finish by mid-April. Work on the Chemotherapy Centre block is scheduled to begin next week to complement existing services.
SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi announced the disbursement of Ksh11.1 billion for approved SHIF claims starting March 13. The payments will be fully processed by March 19, easing financial strain on healthcare facilities.
SHA has collected Ksh142.8 billion in contributions while transitioning 29.8 million Kenyans to the new insurance framework. The authority has also paid Ksh109 billion in claims despite operating with limited staff in recent months.
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