Benda Kithaka, our Founder and Executive Director, was honored during the opening ceremony of the 2nd National Cancer Summit, hosted by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), for her outstanding Leadership in Advocacy, Awareness, and Policy Influence.

The award was presented on July 28, 2025, at the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi, where the summit brought together more than 1,000 delegates—including survivors, policymakers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and government stakeholders. The three-day gathering focused on addressing pressing needs and exploring solutions across the cancer care continuum: from prevention and diagnosis to treatment, survivorship, and palliative care.

A Call to Collective Action

In his opening remarks, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, affirmed the collaborative spirit of the summit:

“This Summit affirms that the cancer response is not the work of a few, but the shared responsibility of all. It offers a platform to confront fragmentation, harmonize priorities, and co-create solutions across the cancer care continuum.”

Echoing this message, Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of NCI-Kenya, emphasized that the summit, themed “Uniting Our Voices and Taking Action,” was more than just a call to gather—it was a call to collective responsibility and synergy in transforming Kenya’s cancer response toward a cancer-free nation.

Recognition for championing survivorship

Benda’s award reflects her tireless commitment to leading the fight against cancer in Kenya and her dedication to championing survivor-centered care, areas where she has been a trailblazer locally, regionally, and globally.

Through her leadership at KILELE Health Association, she has:

• Amplified survivor voices
• Influenced cancer policy
• Led awareness initiatives
• Driven efforts to improve quality of life for patients and caregivers

Her recognition underscores that survivorship is not an afterthought, but a critical pillar of comprehensive cancer care, in line with Kenya’s National Cancer Control Strategy (2023–2027), which emphasizes prevention, equitable access, and people-centered care.

In her remarks, Benda noted:

“This recognition is not just about me, but about every survivor and caregiver who reminds us daily why we must keep fighting for equitable cancer care.”

Summit Objectives

The 2nd National Cancer Summit convened diverse stakeholders to align priorities and strengthen cancer response systems in Kenya. Its key objectives were:

1. To review the status of cancer prevention and early detection responses and progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
2. To strengthen cancer control through multi-sectoral collaboration, showcasing innovations, technologies, and best practices in data collection, cancer registration, surveillance, and research.
3. To promote collaboration, advocacy, and sustainable financing for accessible and equitable cancer care for Kenyans.
4. To advance quality cancer care by improving access to effective treatment, integrating palliative care, and supporting survivorship to enhance quality of life for all patients.
5. To highlight the quality, accessibility, and integration of cancer imaging, pathology, and laboratory medicine for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning.

Looking Ahead

At KILELE Health Association, we are inspired by Benda’s vision and dedication. This milestone not only honors her personal journey but also strengthens our collective resolve to continue championing dignity, purpose, and equity for all cancer survivors and caregivers.

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