WHO Delivers KSh 43 Million Worth of Medical Equipment to Kenya to Save Mothers and Fight Cancer
Nairobi, 11 June 2026
The WHO has donated 108 obstetric theatre beds and cancer screening equipment to Kenya, reaching 45 health facilities across 11 counties. Over 8,440 women have already been screened under a related programme.
A Ceremony at Kenyatta National Hospital
On 9 June 2026, the Ministry of Health of Kenya received a significant consignment of medical equipment from the World Health Organization (WHO) during a formal handover ceremony held at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi — the country’s largest public referral facility [1][5]. The equipment, valued at KSh 43 million, was handed over by WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, and received by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga [1][5]. Following the ceremony, Dr Oluga also flagged off the distribution of the equipment to the beneficiary health facilities across the country [1][5].
What Was Donated and Where Will It Go?
The donation consists of two distinct categories of equipment, each targeting a critical area of women’s health [1][5]. The first category comprises 108 electric obstetric theatre beds, which will be distributed to 45 health facilities spread across 11 priority counties in Kenya, with the specific aim of strengthening emergency obstetric and newborn care services [1][5]. These beds are designed to support safer deliveries, particularly in cases of complicated or emergency pregnancies [GPT]. The second category covers cancer screening, diagnostic, laboratory, pathology and treatment equipment, which will be provided to eight health facilities located in Bungoma and Nyandarua counties [1][5]. This equipment is intended to enhance access to cervical and breast cancer prevention, early detection and management services in those areas [1][5].
How Women Can Access These Services
For women seeking to benefit from the newly donated equipment, the pathway is through Kenya’s public health system [GPT]. Women living in or near the 11 priority counties receiving obstetric theatre beds should visit their nearest public health facility and ask to be seen by a maternal health or obstetric care provider [GPT]. For cancer screening services in Bungoma and Nyandarua counties specifically, women should attend their local public health facility and request breast or cervical cancer screening [1][5]. No private payment is required to access services at public facilities covered by the Universal Health Coverage programme [GPT]. Women referred through the public system for specialist care — including those transferred from remote areas or camp settings — may be directed to KNH or county referral hospitals depending on the complexity of their condition [alert! ‘Specific referral pathways for refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei are not detailed in the provided sources; this is inferred from the general structure of Kenya’s public health referral system’]. There are no stated deadlines or eligibility restrictions beyond being a patient at a participating public health facility [GPT].
Backing a Broader Government Push
The donation is closely aligned with a wider government initiative. In May 2026, President William Ruto launched the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan, a national programme aimed at reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths across Kenya [1][5]. Dr Oluga, speaking at the handover ceremony on 9 June 2026, stated that the WHO donation directly reinforces the government’s efforts under this plan [1][5]. He emphasised that investments in quality maternal healthcare and cancer services are essential to reducing preventable deaths, improving patient outcomes and advancing Universal Health Coverage [1][5]. The Principal Secretary called on all beneficiary counties and health facilities to ensure the proper use, maintenance and accountability of the donated equipment, so that its impact on healthcare delivery is maximised [1][5].
Already Screening Thousands of Women
The handover is not happening in isolation. It builds on an existing and already active programme: the Women’s Integrated Cancer Services Project, a tripartite partnership between Kenya’s Ministry of Health, WHO and pharmaceutical company Roche [1][5]. This initiative integrates breast and cervical cancer screening into primary healthcare services, bringing preventive and diagnostic care closer to communities rather than requiring women to travel to specialist hospitals [1][5]. As of the date of the handover ceremony on 9 June 2026, a total of 8,440 women had already been screened for breast and cervical cancer as well as selected non-communicable diseases through this programme [1][5]. The newly donated equipment is expected to expand this reach further, strengthening the capacity of health facilities to deliver timely screening, diagnosis and treatment [1][5]. The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to working with county governments, development partners and healthcare workers to ensure that every woman and newborn in Kenya has access to safe, quality and affordable healthcare [1].