Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is the main public Hospital in Kenya offering comprehensive cancer treatment and serves patients from all over the country and the region.In 2015, KNH in partnership with American Cancer Society (ACS) conducted a study on cancer patients attending outpatient clinic to determine barriers to cancer treatment.
The survey data indicated that 29% of patients’ missed or delayed treatment and indicated that the main barriers to treatment were accommodation while in Nairobi and transport to and from the Hospital. In addition, many patients end up sleeping on the corridors while undergoing treatment since they could not afford accommodation in Nairobi.
This realization led to the dream of a Hope Hostel that would offer temporary accommodation to cancer patients undergoing treatment at KNH. The patients will be required to be housed for a short term, so that they are available for repeated investigations or treatments. This is expected to enhance good outcomes in cancer treatment as well as improve compliance with treatment, especially for radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
This project which will be the first of its kind in Kenya, involves construction of accommodation facility (hostel) for cancer patients undergoing outpatient treatment at a cost of Ksh.230M and establishment of an endowment fund of Ksh.200 Million to support its operations. The project entails construction of a three (3) floored building with capacity of 140 patients, a day respite area, a cancer resource centre, a restaurant and other support services.
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 a home in Kenya.
