President Uhuru Kenyatta urges Kenyans to go for cancer screening

President Uhuru Kenyatta greets Deputy President William Ruto during the burial of his brother Harrison Kiptoo Korir in Kamagut, Uasin Gishu County, on July 20, 2016. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |

What you need to know:

  • He said the centres would improve access to screening and treatment services across the country.
  • Mr Ruto urged leaders at the grassroots to educate the public on the importance of visiting hospitals for regular check-ups.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged Kenyans to regularly undergo medical tests to detect diseases early enough.

He said early screening of cancer and other chronic diseases would help patients seek treatment early.

He said cancer has become one of the leading killers in the country because many Kenyans were not aware of the symptoms.

“I urge Kenyans to visit hospitals regularly for diagnosis because once the disease is detected early it can easily be treated. Let us all take preventive measures,” said the President.

President Kenyatta said the government has set aside funds to establish more cancer centres across the country to help in the fight against the disease.

He said the centres will improve access to screening and treatment services across the country.

President Kenyatta made the remarks at Kamagut in Uasin Gishu County on Wednesday during the burial of Harrison Kiptoo Korir, a brother of Deputy President William Ruto.

INTENSIVE CARE

Mr Kenyatta said the establishment of two referral hospitals in every county and setting up intensive care units and equipping them with radiology and cancer equipment was part of the government’s commitment to ensuring access to screening and treatment of the disease.

Condoling the bereaved family, President Kenyatta said death had robbed the country of a dedicated and energetic young man who contributed to nation building.

Mr Ruto said he was optimistic the ongoing efforts to control and treat major diseases would yield fruits.

“It is my hope that the efforts we are putting in place, including establishment of more hospitals across the country, will strengthen our health systems,” he said.

Mr Ruto urged leaders at the grassroots to educate the public on the importance of visiting hospitals for regular check-ups.

“Please, let’s encourage each other to undergo medical check-ups. It is advisable that we seek medical advice whenever we have (health) problems,” said Mr Ruto.

The Deputy President thanked Kenyans for mourning with the family.

Mr Korir's widow, Agnes Jerono, described her husband as a humble, generous and a loving person.

Several Cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, MPs, governors and religious leaders attended the burial.