Health chiefs warn of a deepening emergency as lifestyle changes and late diagnoses drive an explosion in oncology admissions.

The statistics are grim, and the wards are full. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, the medical lifeline for Western Kenya and the North Rift, is now handling a staggering 25,000 cancer patients annually. This figure is not just a number on a spreadsheet; it represents thousands of families devastated by a disease that is rapidly becoming a national emergency.

Speaking during the commemoration of World Cancer Day, MTRH Senior Deputy Director for Clinical Services, Dr. Andrew Wandera, painted a sobering picture of the situation. "Cancer is no longer a distant threat; it is a major burden on our healthcare system right now," Dr. Wandera warned. The hospital, which boasts one of the largest oncology units in East Africa, is operating at full throttle to manage the influx.

The National Nightmare

The situation at MTRH reflects a broader, terrifying national trend. Kenya currently has over 100,000 patients on active cancer treatment, with 50,000 new cases being diagnosed every single year. More tragically, the country loses 30,000 lives to the disease annually—a mortality rate that speaks to the deadly combination of late diagnosis and the high cost of care.

"The most common killers we are seeing are breast, cervical, prostate, and colon cancers," Dr. Wandera explained. "These are diseases that, if caught early, can be managed or cured. But too many of our people are walking through our doors when it is already stage 3 or stage 4. By then, the fight is much harder."

• The Lifestyle Factor: Experts attribute the surge to shifting lifestyles—unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and increased alcohol and tobacco use—compounded by an aging population.
• The Cost of Survival: While MTRH offers comprehensive care including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and palliative care, the financial toll on families is immense. The transition to the new Social Health Authority (SHA) is hoped to provide a softer landing for patients, but the gaps remain evident.

A Call to Action

The theme of this year's World Cancer Day, "United by Unique," served as a rallying cry for the county. Uasin Gishu County First Lady, Mama Selina Bii, led a sensitization walk through Eldoret, pleading with residents to prioritize screening. "We have 143 facilities in this county offering screening," noted Dr. Paul Wangwe, the Health Chief Officer. "Please, do not wait until you feel a lump or pain. Go now."

As MTRH continues to expand its partnerships with international bodies to improve genetic counseling and genomics, the message remains simple yet urgent: Early detection saves lives. For the 25,000 patients currently walking the corridors of MTRH, the hope is that science and prayer will be enough. For the rest of the country, the hope lies in prevention.