Emurua Dikirr Residents Call for Urgent Establishment of Cancer Treatment Hospital
Albert Tonui
Residents of Emurua Dikirr are appealing to both the county and national governments to prioritize the establishment of a cancer screening and treatment facility in the region, citing the growing number of cancer cases and limited access to timely medical care.
William Maina, a village elder from Kulonok in Murkan Location, emphasized the urgent need to upgrade Emurua Dikirr Level 4 Hospital to handle cancer-related cases effectively.
“We believe the government has the capacity to equip our Level 4 hospital with a cancer screening and treatment wing. We are pleading with President William Ruto and Governor Patrick Ntutu to remember us. Too many people are dying simply because cancer care is too far away. Lives could be saved if services were brought closer,” Maina said.
Elizabeth Koiyogi, a resident of Sosiana in Transmara South, echoed the call for swift action by the Narok County Government.
She stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment and urged the government to move with speed in setting up a cancer center in Emurua Dikirr.
“This disease needs to be caught early, and that can only happen if there’s a hospital nearby. Many people discover they have cancer when it’s already too late,” she noted.
Koiyogi also urged the government to ensure that the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) covers the full cost of cancer treatment.
“Cancer, like other lifestyle diseases, is extremely expensive to manage. Most families can’t afford it. SHA should take on the financial burden and let patients focus on healing, not hospital bills,” she said.
The remarks were made in Kulonok village during a fundraising event to help clear medical and funeral expenses for Arap Siong’eito, a local resident who recently passed away from cancer.
He is set to be laid to rest on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
