The Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO) has denied reports that it has scheduled a meeting with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to discuss the country’s oncology benefits package.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 9, 2025, KENCO said it had not received any official communication or invitation from the Authority regarding the said meeting.
“Our attention is drawn to the press statement issued by the Social Health Authority (SHA) on October 9, 2025, regarding the ongoing discussions on the oncology benefits package and the claim that a meeting has been arranged with representatives of KENCO,” the statement read.
“As of the time of this statement, KENCO has not received any official communication, invitation, or meeting request from the Social Health Authority,” it added.
The organization, however, commended SHA for publicly recognizing cancer care as a national priority but stressed the importance of transparency and coordination in engagements that affect the cancer community.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate SHA’s public recognition of cancer care as a national priority, it is important to clarify that no such meeting has been scheduled or confirmed,” KENCO stated.
KENCO reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with key government institutions, including the SHA, Ministry of Health, National Treasury, Parliament’s Health Committees, and the Council of Governors, to strengthen Kenya’s social health system.
The group said it remains focused on ensuring the Social Health Authority delivers on its mandate of providing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) that serves all Kenyans, particularly those living with and affected by cancer.
The organization also confirmed their petition on cancer care has been tabled in the National Assembly and referred to the Parliamentary Health Committee for further consideration.
“As part of our follow-up steps, we will be engaging the Health Committee and other key stakeholders to ensure that the issues raised in the petition are addressed comprehensively and that meaningful reforms are implemented within the social health framework,” the group noted.
KENCO further expressed readiness to engage in constructive dialogue once an official invitation is extended.
“Our goal remains clear: to ensure that cancer patients and all Kenyans receive equitable, accessible, and quality healthcare under the new social health framework.”
The statement followed an earlier one by the SHA chief executive, Mercy Mwangangi, who said that they had arranged to meet with KENCO early next week.
“We have arranged to meet with their representatives early next week to discuss how we can better serve our clients.”
Mwangangi noted that the authority welcomes the Memorandum from KENCO without any objections.
“While our benefit and tariff package is evidence- based, guided by clinical, financial, and demographic data, we emphasize that Associations like KENCO may participate in the formulation and discussions around the inclusion and expansion of health benefits and Tariffs.”