Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is now calling on Kenyans of goodwill to fundraise towards the construction and equipping of a 140-bed capacity hostel to cater for cancer patients in the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, KNH called on Kenyans to support the project by sending their contributions via MPESA Paybill No 474444, Account Name KNH Hope Hostel.
According to the Hospital, any little support will go a long way in making the project a success.
"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 statement by KNH reads.
The statement adds, "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."
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is the biggest referral hospital in Kenya offering comprehensive cancer treatment and serves patients from all over the country and the region.
KNH said that it partnered with the American Cancer Society (ACS) in 2015 and conducted a study on cancer patients attending an outpatient clinic to determine barriers to cancer treatment.
The results of the survey indicated that 29 per cent 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," the statement further read.
The hospital said that the survey led to the dream of a Hope Hostel that would offer temporary accommodation to cancer patients undergoing treatment at KNH.
If actualised, the hospital maintained that cancer 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."
The financial appeal by KNH comes as a section of leaders and Kenyans pile pressure on President Uhuru Kenyatta to declare cancer a national disaster.
In a span of one month, the country has lost three prominent leaders to cancer.
On Monday, Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso succumbed to cancer at Nairobi Hospital.
On Friday last week, Kibra MP Ken Okoth also succumbed to colorectal cancer at Nairobi Hospital.
Early this month, Safaricom Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bob Collymore also died as a result of cancer.