Kenyatta National Hospital appeals for donations to build hostel for cancer patients

In a move to curb the rising death cases caused by cancer in the country, Kenyatta National Hospital has called on well-wishers to help out in the construction of a hostel to accommodate cancer patients.

The project costing a total of 430 million shillings, will include the construction of accommodation facility (hostel) for cancer patients undergoing outpatient treatment. It will cost Ksh 230 million while Ksh 200 million will go into the establishment of an endowment fund to support its operations.

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This will see the construction of a three-floored building with a capacity of 140 patients, a cancer resource center, a restaurant, and other support activities.

Cancer survey

The project is informed by a survey conducted by the hospital in collaboration with the American Cancer Society (ACS). The report indicated 29% of patients missed treatment due to lack of accommodation in the city and the costly transport to and from Nairobi.

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Upon the construction of the facility, patients will be able to comply with their treatments (radiotherapy and chemotherapy). This will ostensibly reduce the cancer-related deaths in the country. The design will accommodate adults of both genders and children for a short period, to enable them to receive repeat treatments and follow-ups.

Patients sleeping on the floor

Limited accommodation has also led to patients sleeping on the corridors of the hospital to wake up early and queue for treatment.

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The announcement comes at a time where the country is mourning the deaths of Kibra MP Ken Okoth and Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso who both succumbed to cancer recently.

“It is in this regard that KNH is calling upon all people of goodwill to own and support this project by contributing via MPESA Paybill No- 474444, KNH Hope Hostel. A little will go a long way. Let us come together and give hope home in Kenya,” the hospital requested.