MPs call for overhaul of cancer treatment access and funding

Members of the National Assembly have adopted a far-reaching report calling for urgent reforms to Kenya’s healthcare system to improve access to treatment for cancer patients, in a debate that laid bare the financial and emotional toll of the disease on families across the country.

The motion moved by Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Ntwiga on behalf of the Departmental Committee on Health seeks to address systemic challenges in cancer care financing and service delivery under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The report arises from Public Petition No. 21 of 2025, submitted by the Kenyan Network of Cancer Organisations, which represents more than 70 civil society groups and thousands of patients.

The petition highlighted gaps in access to affordable and comprehensive cancer care following the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The House heard that cancer remains one of Kenya’s most pressing public health challenges.

Data shows that approximately 44,000 new cases and over 29,000 deaths are recorded annually.

The top five cancers in Kenya include breast, cervical, prostate, oesophagus and colorectal.

Breast and cervical cancers are the most prevalent among women, while prostate cancer leads among men. In Kenya, at least nine women die of cervical cancer every day.

But late diagnosis of cervical and other cancers remains a concern, with at least 70 per cent of cases diagnosed at an advanced stage.

MPs warned that beyond the health impact, the disease continues to devastate households economically, often forcing families into debt and repeated fundraising to meet treatment costs.

Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri described cancer as a national crisis that has impoverished families and strained the country’s healthcare system, noting that many Kenyans still travel abroad in search of treatment, draining foreign exchange.

Central to the debate was concern over the restructuring of oncology benefits under SHA.

The Committee found that the shift from individual cover under NHIF to a household-based model has significantly reduced financial protection for patients.

Under the previous NHIF scheme, patients accessed up to Sh680,000 per individual annually.

This has now been reorganised into a combined Sh550,000 household package under SHA, including Sh400,000 from the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and Sh150,000 from the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF).

Lawmakers argued that the change disproportionately affects families with more than one patient, effectively limiting access to life-saving treatment.

On his part, Wajir North MP Ibrahim Saney pointed to bureaucratic hurdles, delayed approvals and drug shortages as major impediments to care warning that missed chemotherapy or radiotherapy sessions often lead to disease progression.

“You cannot be insured and still be forced to buy drugs out of pocket,” he said, terming the situation a ‘mockery’ of the system.

Funyula MP Dr Ojiambo Oundo cited findings in the report showing that the cost of comprehensive cancer treatment can exceed Sh3.8 million, far beyond the current cover.

A survey of 118 patients and caregivers revealed that 60 per cent exhaust their SHA benefits before the end of the year, with more than a third doing so within three months.

“This is not just a policy issue; it is a life-and-death matter,” he said.

The MP urged the government to confront the shortcomings of the current system.

The adopted report proposes a raft of measures aimed at strengthening cancer care, including increasing oncology benefits to at least Sh830,000 per patient annually and enhancing funding to critical health funds.

It also calls for an independent forensic audit of SHA disbursements, improved claims processing systems, and the establishment of a fast-track digital platform for cancer treatment approvals.

Additionally, the Committee has directed the Ministry of Health and the SHA to conduct nationwide civic education on the benefits of cancer care and to ensure timely reimbursement to hospitals within 90 days.

Some MPs emphasised the need to expand cancer treatment infrastructure beyond major urban centres.

Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo highlighted the burden on patients in remote areas who travel hundreds of kilometres to access care, often selling assets to finance treatment.

“There are regions where patients must travel over 300 kilometres just to receive initial care,” said the MP.

According to her, there is a need to invest in county-level facilities nationwide to improve access to care.

Igembe South MP Hon John Paul Mwirigi and Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi went further, calling for cancer to be declared a national disaster and treatment to be made fully subsidised.

While acknowledging shortcomings, Magarini MP Harrison Kombe urged the House to recognise gains made under SHA, noting that some patients have benefited from coverage.

“We must appreciate progress even as we push for improvements,” he said.

To easy burden of cancer care amid the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the government established regional centres in Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kisii and Garissa.

But only Nakuru is fully operational, whereas Garissa and Mombasa report numerous breakdowns, with Kisii and Nyeri yet to be operationalised.