Nyeri County has taken a major step in the fight against cancer with the arrival of a state-of-the-art endoscopy machine worth Sh4 million, donated by the Italy-based NGO, Goal Smile. The machine, now stationed at Nyeri County Referral Hospital, will be used to screen for cancers of the colon, stomach, and esophagus, making diagnostic services more accessible and affordable for residents. Governor Mutahi Kahiga, speaking at the handover ceremony, hailed the donation as a significant milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts to reduce cancer-related deaths.
Cancer remains a leading cause of illness and mortality in Nyeri, with local research showing breast, esophageal, and prostate cancers as the most prevalent. Each month, the county records an average of 55 new cancer cases, while the chemotherapy center manages up to 600 patients. Previously, residents were often forced to rely on expensive private facilities for screening, paying up to Sh20,000 per session. With the new endoscopy machine, the cost of diagnosis has been reduced to Sh2,500, a move Governor Kahiga described as a key step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and equitable access to quality healthcare.
Health officials and residents have welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the importance of early detection in reducing the cancer burden. Four doctors have been trained to operate the new equipment, and the county plans to intensify awareness campaigns encouraging early screening. Governor Kahiga urged the community to make full use of the facility, noting that early diagnosis can dramatically improve treatment outcomes. As Nyeri strengthens its health infrastructure, the county is poised to set a benchmark for other high-burden counties in delivering affordable, effective cancer care.