The government, through the Ministry of Health (MoH), has announced that cancer patients will now access up to KSh800,000 in treatment support under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The ministry said the enhanced oncology package is aimed at easing the financial burden of cancer care for millions of Kenyans who depend on public health services.
Expanded Cancer Cover for 29 Million Kenyans
According to the Ministry of Health, the expanded cancer treatment cover will benefit more than 29 million registered Kenyans under SHA.
The government noted that the funding will help patients meet the high cost of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care — expenses that have historically placed significant strain on families.
Cancer treatment in Kenya often involves costly procedures such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, laboratory tests, imaging, and long-term medication, making financial support critical for patients.
Boost to Universal Health Coverage
The Ministry said the move is part of ongoing reforms in the health sector aimed at strengthening universal health coverage and improving access to specialized care.
By increasing the oncology benefit to KSh800,000, the government hopes to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure and ensure more patients complete their prescribed treatment plans without financial interruption.
The announcement is expected to offer relief to thousands of cancer patients across the country who have long struggled with the rising cost of treatment.
