President Ruto
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has raised fresh questions about Kenya’s approach to cancer prevention and treatment, calling on President William Ruto to elevate the disease to the level of a national emergency.
In a message posted on X, Njiru outlined a series of proposals he said should take priority in the country’s health agenda.
At the centre of Njiru’s appeal is a call for cancer to be formally declared a national disaster.
He argued that such a designation would allow the government to mobilise focused resources and develop coordinated interventions targeting prevention, early detection, and treatment across the country.
Njiru also urged the establishment of a dedicated national cancer fund, separate from existing health financing structures.
According to his statement, the fund would be designed to support cancer-specific programmes, including screening, treatment, and public education, while reducing the financial burden on patients and their families.
In his remarks, Njiru questioned the placement of cancer treatment under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
He called for cancer care to be handled independently, saying specialised diseases require tailored financing and administration to avoid disruptions in service delivery.
The lawyer further proposed the creation of cancer screening and treatment centres in all 47 counties.
He said access to decentralised services would improve early diagnosis and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for care.
Njiru also suggested making annual cancer screening mandatory for all Kenyans.
Beyond treatment, Njiru’s message focused heavily on prevention. He called for a comprehensive national cancer eradication policy to address factors contributing to rising cancer cases in the country.
He said the policy should examine environmental, dietary, and agricultural practices linked to cancer risks.
Food safety featured prominently in his proposals. Njiru urged the government to ensure that food consumed locally is free from carcinogenic substances.
He also called for a ban on the importation of farm chemicals associated with cancer, arguing that agricultural regulation should prioritise public health.
Njiru’s statement comes amid ongoing public discussions on healthcare reform and the affordability of specialised treatment in Kenya.
Cancer remains a major public health concern in the country, with sustained calls from legal and health advocates for stronger prevention measures, expanded screening, and improved access to treatment within the public health system.