According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, KNBS over 40,000 Kenyans are diagnosed with cancer annually, while at least 15,000 people die of cancer every year. This shocking report has raised a public uproar for the state to revamp its policy on fighting the scourge.
Also, over 13 legislators are undergoing cancer medication in Indian where billions of shillings are spent. But not every citizen is able to raise the high-cost os cancer screening.
Hon. Ken Okoth battle with cancer has been a real encouragement to people living with cancer. The Kibra MP will be greatly missed by his Constituents and Kenyans at large.
Most of the great things Okoth shall be remembered with is his hard work, resilience and visionary. Also, for being the best young leader that Kenya ever had.
Cancer is not doing us justice. Hon. Ken Okoth was a hardworking leader and the people of Kibra have lost a real leader. May his soul rest in eternal peace. #CelebratingOkoth pic.twitter.com/oqSFm44t2S
— Hon.Rose Museo (@rosemuseo) July 26, 2019
Okoth who battled colorectal cancer is not the first MP to die of the scourge in Kenya. Two others have passed on since the August 2017 General Election.
I fail to understand why our legislators (Mps) hasn’t passed a law such that Kenyans found of this cancer menace be exempted from paying tax.The amount used in the CANCER treatment is just shocking…@ntvkenya @TheStarKenya @citizentvkenya @StandardKenya @dailynation
— Wyckliffe Osiany (@OsianyWyckliffe) July 4, 2019
The ministry of health estimates that at least 10,000 Kenyans travel abroad every year seeking cancer treatment. They use at least Ksh10 billion for treatment.
Weeks after Cancer robbed brainy CEO Bob Collymore, it has dawned to Kenyans that we need better techniques to be able to diagnose cancer at early stages. As a country, we should not let cancer not be a death sentence. Hence, Kenyans are of the opinion that cancer should be declared as a national disaster.
Below were some reactions:
Contrally to this 👇 issue of cancer ♋ I think the Gok should reconsider as a national disaster and deal with it the way they are fighting corruption issues
We need cancer facilities in our country
Cancer has come to loot everything.. #brekko pic.twitter.com/VlIZ9qsL7x— Steve mulwa wa kite (@Stevemulwa9) July 29, 2019
Government as to declare cancer as a national disaster so that other eligible countries and non governmental organisation can come to rescue….hii imekuwa noma than HIV
— Mochama James Onuonga (@JamesMachama) July 29, 2019
I’m surprised we are only focusing on lifestyle and the food we eat and keeping a blind eye on air pollution. Our air is heavily polluted esp in Nairobi and some of the pollutants are carcinogenic! This is very key, and remember we cannnot choose the air breath! Thank you.
— Chris Oduor (@Chris_oduor02) July 29, 2019
Maybe we shoud take the blame on why cancer is rampant, our lifestyle has played part in it don’t you think?
#Brekko
Cancer cases are rampant because we’ve opted for inorganic way. We’re consuming foods which are full of carcinogenic substances. Unfit for human. Our government giving a blind eye. Before the declaration, let it be RESPONSIBLE @Elishifa https://t.co/RgHKZ2Kqjp— Frekuz Qal Seis-Fan (@kucheey) July 29, 2019