Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has raised alarm over the rising cancer burden in the county, revealing that one in every ten deaths is now attributed to the disease. Citing national data, Waiguru described cancer as the second leading cause of premature death in Kirinyaga, underscoring a growing public health crisis.
Highlights:
- Over 42,000 new cancer cases and 27,000 deaths were recorded in Kenya in 2020.
- Cancer is the second leading cause of premature death in Kirinyaga County.
- One in every ten deaths in Kirinyaga is cancer-related.
- Governor Waiguru calls for urgent investment in early detection and treatment services.
Main Story:
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has voiced concern over the growing impact of cancer in the region, warning that the disease has become the second biggest killer in the county. Speaking at a public health forum, the governor cited findings from the Global Cancer Observatory, which estimated over 42,000 new cancer cases and more than 27,000 cancer-related deaths in Kenya in 2020 alone.
Waiguru revealed that in Kirinyaga, one in every ten deaths is now linked to cancer — a statistic she described as both heartbreaking and urgent.
The governor urged both county and national governments to ramp up investment in cancer screening, early diagnosis, and access to affordable treatment. She noted that many cases in Kirinyaga go undetected until it’s too late, due to limited awareness and inadequate health infrastructure.
Waiguru emphasized the need for decentralized cancer care, stating that residents should not have to travel to Nairobi or Eldoret to receive life-saving services.
Kenya’s cancer burden continues to grow, with non-communicable diseases now accounting for more than 50% of hospital admissions. Medical experts say late-stage diagnosis remains the biggest challenge in fighting cancer, especially in rural counties where access to specialists is limited.
Waiguru’s comments add to growing calls for the government to prioritize cancer care in national health budgets and to invest in preventive programs across counties.
As cancer continues to claim more lives silently, leaders like Waiguru are urging the country to act — because behind every statistic is a family grieving too soon.
