Beyond October
As the month of Cancer Awareness draws to a close, we are reminded that cancer is no longer a distant threat — it lives among us. Awareness cannot be seasonal; it must be daily.
October shines a light on the growing burden of disease, yet across Kenya, diagnostics, treatment, and essential medicines remain out of reach for many who need them most.
As the pink ribbons come down, the drums must continue to beat — for better care, equitable access to quality essential medicines, and advanced diagnostics in every corner of the country.
It is within this spirit of continuity– beyond awareness months and ribbon color’s–that the Kamukunji Sub-County Health Management Team, in partnership with several stakeholders including Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Alliance, Den of Hope, Maisha Girls, SHOFCO, Women 4 Cancer, Being Africa, Pink Lips, Young Urban Women, DTI College, Agents of Peace, Kamukunji Community Empowerment Initiative(KCEI) and Tosha Organisation, came together to march for life, and sensitisation. The team organised a free breast and cervical cancer screening as well as HIV testing as part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign held on October 2025.
The heavy walk, to shine a light to cancer:
Like foot soldiers on a mission, the Kamukunji community stepped out in shades of pink — resolute, rhythmic, and united. From Pumwani Maternity, the crowd assembled, with placards echoing this year’s World Breast Cancer Month theme “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters.”
A brass band led the way, its music echoing through Eastleigh Market, California, and Biafra. The Pink Power Walk was more than a march — it was a movement of solidarity and remembrance, of awareness and action.
Along the way, women, men, and youth handed out flyers and condoms, singing songs of self-examination and early screening. Shopkeepers paused, boda riders slowed down, and vendors lifted their heads — for a moment, the streets of Kamukunji beat to one rhythm: hope.
The walk culminated at Kinyago Grounds, where participants gathered for a series of speeches and awareness talks. Health officials, local administrators, and representatives from partner organisations addressed the crowd, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, lifestyle modification, and community support in the fight against breast cancer.
Speaking during the celebrations, a representative from Women 4 Cancer said the walk aimed to advocate for early screening to prevent breast cancer from developing into a severe and fatal condition, urging both men and women to undergo regular checks.
A representative from Being Africa noted that symptoms of breast cancer can often be detected early and encouraged every individual to seek screening at least once a month.
Compared with other cancers in Kenya, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of death among women, following cervical cancer.
Madam Lavender from the Kamukunji Health Management Team emphasized that breast cancer is curable if detected early. She noted that health facilities within Kamukunji have been conducting screening exercises since 2022 as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of the community.
She added that alongside breast cancer screening and awareness, facilities also offer education and services on prostate cancer — underscoring the importance of men undergoing annual screenings for early detection and timely treatment.
Youth voices rising
Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Alliance youth advocate Teresia Wanjiru led a group of young participants in signing a memorandum calling for increased reproductive health funding in Nairobi’s 2025–2026 development plan.
“Empowering young people with the right information saves lives,” she said, her voice clear against the hum of drums and chatter.
When a breast cancer survivor stepped to the stage, her message was clear, “I am here because I went for screening early,” she said, urging others to do the same. Her story was a living testament — courage wrapped in gratitude.
The day closed with free medical screenings, counselling sessions, and a renewed sense of unity. From community health volunteers to the area chief, everyone echoed the same call: health is a shared responsibility, and awareness is the first cure.
Pink Power Day was a reminder that Cancer awareness should not end when October does.
The fight for equitable healthcare, access to medicines, and strong diagnostics must march on — through the streets of Kamukunji, the hearts of families, and the policies that shape our nation’s care.
By Whitney Atieno
KCEI, Chairperson