The Homa Bay County Government has entered into a partnership with Aga Khan Hospital to establish a specialized cancer care center in the region.

Governor Gladys Wanga announced that the new facility will address the growing number of cancer cases and improve access to treatment for patients who currently travel long distances for care.

“This cancer center will mark a significant step forward for our county,” said Governor Wanga. “Many residents have had to seek medical attention in other counties, which greatly increases the cost and burden of managing the disease. This initiative will change that.”

The cancer facility will be built within the Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital. The governor emphasized that this project will be part of her administration’s legacy and urged all relevant stakeholders to support its success.

She also stressed the importance of cancer prevention, noting that early interventions can save lives and reduce long-term healthcare costs.

The project is part of the East Africa Comprehensive Cancer Project (EA-CCP), which is backed by funding from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Gates Foundation. The initiative will span four years, with the center expected to open by March 2029.

According to Jane Wanyama, CEO of Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu, the project will benefit more than 88,000 women who have already been screened for breast and cervical cancer.

Additionally, around 1.2 million nine-year-old girls are set to receive HPV vaccinations to help prevent cervical cancer.

The EA-CCP will also provide training for healthcare workers and promote public education on cancer. Outreach campaigns are expected to reach over 1.8 million people in the Lake Region Economic Bloc.

“This comprehensive approach will not only improve treatment access but also raise awareness and encourage communities to talk openly about cancer,” Wanyama said.

Also Read:Raila Weighs In on Broad-Based Government Controversy-Defends Governor Orengo