Nairobi Governor, Mike Sonko, on Thursday, outlined his next cause of action in honour of the late Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso.
Speaking at the memorial service of the late governor, Sonko announced that his administration would partner with the national government to help improve the health sector.
Specifically, the focus would be thrust upon the development of cancer centres to ensure that early detection is in order and that affordable treatment is also availed.
"In memory of the late Laboso, my administration, in partnership with the national government and fellow governors, we shall embark on dedicated investment on health care to not only minimise the spread of cancer in the country but also enhance early detection and affordable treatment," stated the governor.
During his speech, the governor recalled two occasions in which Laboso helped him, including one in which he had lost his father.
"First, I spent three days in her Bomet home when she was an MP... That day, I remember very vividly that after the function, we spent three days in Joyce's residence. In the three days we spent there, we could see her commitment towards the people she was serving.
"The second occasion was when I lost my dad, Dr Laboso visited me and my family in my Runda home in a delegation which was led by his excellency the deputy president. Even after the DP left with the delegation, she remained with my wife because she (my wife) was very close to my dad. She was the last person to live our residence," continued Sonko.
On Wednesday, the Kenyan government announced the formation of a select committee to spearhead the country's newfound resolve to battle cancer.
"I inaugurated the Board of Trustees for the National Cancer Institute of Kenya today. Cardiovascular diseases are second leading causes of death accounting for 13 per cent of all deaths while cancer is 3rd contributing to 7 per cent of deaths," the Health CS Sicily Kariuki disclosed.
The board is expected to coordinate prevention and ensure affordable management of cancer from the community level.
In addition, Ms Kariuki's new board will be reportedly receiving constant input from various stakeholders, regarding the best practices to reduce cases of cancer.
"Kenya's capacity to detect cancer has significantly improved. As estimated 47,887 new cases of cancer are detected, 3,200 among children below 18 and 32,987 people die annually," Ms Kariuki revealed.
Below is the video of Sonko's announcement:
