- Chemotherapy in public hospitals typically ranges from KES 6,000 to KES 600,000 per treatment course, depending on the cancer type and medications required
- The average annual cost for chemotherapy alone is approximately KES 138,207 (USD 1,364), though this varies significantly by cancer type
- Each chemotherapy cycle can cost around KES 30,000 or more, with most patients requiring six or more cycles throughout their treatment journey
- The Social Health Authority (SHA) program is working to reduce costs, with recent negotiations bringing some treatments down from KES 120,000 to KES 40,000 per session
- Private hospital costs are considerably higher, with chemotherapy treatments ranging from KES 12,000 to KES 200,000 per session depending on the medication and facility
- Combined treatment approaches including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can cost upwards of KES 333,462 annually per patient
Cancer treatment remains one of the most significant financial challenges facing Kenyan families today. With cancer being the third leading cause of death in the country, claiming approximately 29,300 lives annually from 44,700 new cases, understanding the cost of chemotherapy is crucial for patients and their families planning for treatment.
Public Hospital Costs
In Kenya's public hospitals, chemotherapy costs typically range from KES 6,000 to KES 600,000 per treatment course, with the wide variation depending primarily on the type of cancer being treated and the specific medications required. Research indicates that patients receiving chemotherapy as their sole treatment modality face average annual costs of approximately KES 138,207, though individual experiences may vary significantly based on their specific diagnosis and treatment protocol.
The reality for most cancer patients is that treatment requires multiple cycles of chemotherapy. A single cycle typically costs around KES 30,000 or higher depending on the drug used, and most patients need more than six cycles to complete their treatment. This means that the cumulative cost can quickly escalate to several hundred thousand shillings over the course of treatment.
Private Hospital Expenses
Private healthcare facilities in Kenya charge substantially more for chemotherapy services. Treatment costs in private hospitals range from KES 12,000 to KES 200,000 per session, reflecting the additional amenities, shorter waiting times, and sometimes more specialized care available in these facilities. For many Kenyans, these private sector prices remain prohibitively expensive, pushing them toward public facilities despite longer waiting periods and capacity constraints.
Government Intervention and SHA Program
Recognizing the crushing financial burden of cancer treatment, the Kenyan government has taken steps to make chemotherapy more accessible. The Social Health Authority (SHA) program represents a significant shift in how cancer care is funded and delivered. Recent government negotiations with pharmaceutical companies have successfully reduced some cancer treatment costs from KES 120,000 to KES 40,000 per session, making life-saving medications more attainable for enrolled members.
Additionally, the government has partnered with pharmaceutical companies to provide more affordable access to specific cancer medications, particularly for breast and stomach cancers which account for one in every five cancer cases in Kenya.
Combined Treatment Costs
Many cancer patients require multimodal treatment approaches combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Patients receiving all three treatment modalities face average annual costs of KES 333,462, representing a substantial financial commitment that exceeds the annual income of many Kenyan households. This reality often forces families to make difficult decisions about treatment options or to seek financial assistance through fundraising efforts.
Insurance Coverage
While the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and its successor SHA program provide some coverage for chemotherapy, gaps remain in the system. Many private and faith-based hospitals report challenges with the SHA payment system, sometimes requiring patients to pay cash upfront rather than billing the insurance directly. Coverage for overseas treatment is capped at KES 500,000 per person annually, which may be insufficient for specialized care abroad.
The Road Ahead
Despite progress in making chemotherapy more affordable, significant challenges persist. Many patients still face treatment delays, struggle with out-of-pocket expenses, and make devastating financial sacrifices to access care. Continued government investment in cancer treatment infrastructure, particularly outside major urban centers, remains essential to ensuring equitable access to chemotherapy across Kenya. For families facing a cancer diagnosis, early engagement with social workers and financial counselors at treatment facilities can help navigate available support programs and payment options.
