The County Government of Uasin Gishu is working closely with the National Government in its efforts to fight cancer among residents by strengthening early detection mechanisms, expanding specialised treatment, and improving referral pathways for patients requiring complex care
This renewed initiative was highlighted during the Orthopaedic Oncology and Limb Reconstruction Conference held at St. Luke’s Orthopaedic and Trauma Hospital, where health specialists converged to advance the management of bone and soft-tissue cancers.
The conference provides more than a platform for knowledge sharing, with participating specialists also undertaking complex surgeries while mentoring local medical teams in advanced orthopaedic oncology and limb reconstruction techniques.
Importance of early detection in cancer treatment
Director of Curative Services and Nursing unit in the Ministry of Health, Dr Andrew Toro, said early detection remains at the heart of the efforts to improve cancer outcomes and advance Universal Health Coverage.
Dr Toro said the government was working to strengthen screening and diagnostic systems while creating an enabling policy environment for partnerships that can expand access to specialised cancer services.
He also pointed to genomic medicine as an emerging frontier in cancer diagnosis and treatment, alongside stronger referral systems to ensure patients move efficiently from primary care to specialised facilities when required.
However, Deputy Director of Clinical Services Crispus Massam, who represented Health Services County Executive Committee Member Janet Kurgat, reaffirmed the County’s commitment to bringing specialised expertise closer to patients and strengthening the capacity of local health facilities.
Need for partnership in managing cancer
In a speech delivered by Massam, Kurgat said partnerships with specialists and institutions such as St. Luke’s are critical in exposing local healthcare workers to advanced skills while improving the County’s ability to manage complex cancer cases.
The County Executive also emphasised the importance of recognising cancer early, conducting appropriate biopsies, and ensuring prompt referrals and multidisciplinary management, particularly for bone and soft-tissue tumours.
The convergence of national policy support, county-level investment, and specialist expertise is increasingly creating opportunities for patients to access advanced care closer to home, reducing delays associated with referrals outside the region.
The conference has also brought together orthopaedic surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, rehabilitation specialists, and other healthcare professionals, creating a multidisciplinary platform for tackling some of the most complex cancer cases.
County, national government collaboration in fight against cancer
Beyond the operating theatre, the engagements are strengthening professional networks, mentorship, research collaboration, and referral linkages—key components in building a sustainable specialised cancer-care system.
For Uasin Gishu, the conference underscores a broader shift from simply treating cancer to building a stronger continuum of care—from early recognition and diagnosis to specialised surgery, rehabilitation, and follow-up.
The collaboration between the two levels of government, private healthcare institutions and medical specialists signals a shared commitment to ensuring that patients facing cancer receive timely, specialised and dignified care while strengthening the County’s position as a growing hub for advanced healthcare services.
The session was led by the chairperson of the Kenya Orthopedic Association Prof P.K Oroko.
