How A Group Of Friends’ Act Of Kindness Has Grown Into A Movement. And How You Can Be Part Of It

In June 2013, a group of friends sat down for hours trying to figure out how to save the life of a boy whom none of them had met; 15 year old Eric Njuguna has been battling with Burkitt’s Lymphoma at a hospital in India since may 2013. He was referred to the BLK Super Specialty Hospital in New Delhi but the hospital withdrew treatment because his mum ran out of money shortly after their arrival.

Operating under the brand KeemoKidz, this motley crew of young creatives, lawyers, marketers and community mobilizers launched an aggressive campaign to rally Kenyans at home and in the diaspora to contribute towards securing Eric’s treatment. ‘After months of endless tweeting, knocking on doors, soliciting for donations and making noise about his plight, over Kshs. 3.8 million has been remitted to India and Eric is finally cancer free says, Ivy Gitata.

What begun as a mini fundraiser for a little boy has now morphed into a full blown movement which is set to transform the entire childhood cancer landscape in Kenya. KeemoKidz vision is to be Africa’s leading childhood cancer awareness and fund mobilization agency, says an ambitious Wanjiru Githiomi, South Africa based project manager. the organization has declared total war on childhood cancer in Kenya and indeed Africa as a whole.

“It is unacceptable that the mortality rate of childhood cancer patients in Kenya is an alarming 90%, compared to 30% in the developed world – Cancer in Kenya is now ranked 3rd as the most common cause of death after communicable diseases like TB,” asserts Teddy Muthusi, the team’s head of creative director. “While these statistics are devastating, proper intervention strategies can turn the tide of fortune for many vulnerable children; it begins with us,” concludes Sheba Njagi, the assistant project manager.

“On Saturday, 26th October, we are hosting an audacious out of the box event at the Carnivore Simba Saloon to raise funds for other vulnerable children like Eric,” says Wanjiru Koinange, student at the University of Cape Town and content manager for the KeemoKidz project.

‘Back Live 2 Save Lives’ dares to reclaim the glory of the stars that rocked the Kenyan entertainment scene in the ’90s. With live performances from music legends like 5 Alive, Nikki (Sheila Mwanyigha), Nameless, Eric Wainaina, Iddi Achieng and continuity presenters Munene/ Teddy/ Ngatia, this event is certainly sold out quality. There will also be a fun celebrity auction with DJ Adrian and DJ Pinye taking us trough the night with old school music mpaka che! Advance Tickets are now on sale at Tamarind outlets for Ks 1,500. Visit www.keemokidz.co.ke for more details. Check out the promo by KeemoKidz below.