Cut cancer treatment cost, says Ruto

By MARGARET KANINI and ISAAC MESSO

Deputy President William Ruto’s wife, Rachel, has urged the Government to subsidise the cost of cancer screening and treatment.

Mrs Ruto said it was unfortunate that many Kenyans could not afford regular checkups and only find out they have cancer when it is too late.

She was speaking yesterday during the World Cancer Day, where she witnessed the signing of a declaration against cancer by public and private organisations at a Nairobi hotel,

Ruto emphasised the need to educate Kenyans on cancer, adding that 70 to 80 per cent of cases in Kenya are diagnosed when in advanced stages.

She also urged Kenyans to embrace healthy lifestyles to minimise the risks associated with cancer.

The DP’s wife called upon Kenyans to attend the cancer screening clinic organised by the Kenya Medical Association between February 21 and 22 this year at the KICC.

Present at the event was Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o who urged the Government to take the cancer threat in the country seriously. The former Health Minister asked the Government to acquire universal health cover for its citizens if it was serious about healthcare.