By Nyanza Wire 
The construction of a Comprehensive Cancer Centre at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is nearing completion, with radiotherapy services expected to become operational within the year.
Funded by the national government at a cost of approximately Ksh500 million, the state-of-the-art facility will integrate chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology services under one roof. The centre aims to ease the burden on cancer patients from the Lake Region, who currently travel long distances to access specialized treatment in Nairobi and other cities.
On Wednesday, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga and Broadcasting Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke led a delegation from the National Cancer Institute of Kenya in inspecting the progress of the project. Dr. Oluga noted that the facility represents a major step toward equitable access to cancer care and aligns with the government’s goal of strengthening regional health infrastructure.
According to JOOTRH’s cancer dashboard, the hospital managed 4,567 cancer cases between 2014 and 2023. Cervical cancer accounted for 64 percent of these cases, with over 70 percent of patients presenting at advanced stages. The new centre is expected to enhance early diagnosis, improve continuity of care, and increase treatment completion rates.
The facility will also benefit from an ongoing partnership with King’s College London, which will support specialist training, research, and expanded diagnostic capabilities. The collaboration further includes plans to establish a regional clinical trials hub, positioning JOOTRH as a leading centre for oncology innovation and care in western Kenya.
Walter Akillah