Three zebra crossings in Nairobi’s Central Business District, near City Hall, the Supreme Court and the Kenya National Archives, have been painted pink, prompting questions about the reason behind the change at the busy public locations.
The crossings were painted as part of an initiative by breast cancer advocacy group Mapema Ndio Breast and Hermosa Paints to raise awareness about the disease and encourage early detection during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed globally throughout October.
“Through the Mapema Ndio Breast campaign, we joined hands to raise breast cancer awareness, champion early detection, and spread a message of hope and support. Because awareness is powerful, early detection matters, and together, we can make a difference,” read a message shared on social media following the launch of the crossings.
The use of the colour pink draws on its long-standing association with breast cancer awareness dating back to 1992.
Representatives of advocacy group Mapema Ndio Breast, Hermosa Paints and other participants attend the launch of the pink-painted zebra crossings located near Zetech University by the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi CBD, October 9, 2026.
Photo
Hermosa Paints
The pink ribbon gained prominence when cosmetics company Estée Lauder distributed it during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, following earlier grassroots efforts by American activist Charlotte Haley, who made peach-coloured ribbons to call for greater investment in cancer prevention.
According to Mapema Ndio Breast, painting the crossings was intended to turn familiar road markings into visible reminders of the importance of taking breast cancer seriously.
The initiative also aims to reach people who may not attend organised awareness events by bringing health messaging into the daily routines of Nairobi residents as they move through the busy pedestrian routes.
Its focus on early detection comes as breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Kenya, according to the latest Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2024 estimates compiled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
The figures, which were published in July, show that Kenya records an estimated 5,822 new breast cancer cases annually, out of 35,867 new cancer cases across all types, accounting for 16.2 per cent of the total.
Breast cancer also remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country, with an estimated 2,882 deaths each year.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) has identified late diagnosis as a major contributor to cancer-related deaths and continues to encourage people to seek screening and medical attention when necessary.
However, the high cost of screening and treatment remains a barrier for many people, potentially delaying diagnosis and limiting access to timely care.
This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme “Every story is unique, every journey matters,” calling for greater awareness, timely diagnosis and access to quality care.
Meanwhile, NCI-K has been conducting outreach activities across the country, offering free education and breast cancer screening, including mammograms, as other organisations roll out initiatives to make screening more accessible and affordable throughout the month.
Beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month, health experts continue to urge both men and women to remain alert to unusual breast changes, carry out regular self-checks and seek advice from qualified health professionals if they notice anything unusual, including lumps, changes in size or shape, or nipple discharge, to determine whether further screening or care is needed.
A pink ribbon, the widely recognised symbol of breast cancer awareness, alongside the logo of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K).
Kenyans.co.ke