A group of 20 cyclists raising awareness about childhood cancer pedalled their way to Kisumu after completing a 100km journey from Eldoret.
The team was led by Dr Jesse Lemmen, a medical doctor and PhD student in paediatric oncology.
Upon arrival in the lakeside city, the cyclists were received at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital by CEO Dr Richard Lesiyampe and hospital staff.
Lemmen said the Kenya Survivor Ride has three goals of raising childhood cancer awareness, linking Kenyan facilities involved in the paediatric oncology and fundraising for a future childhood cancer organisation.
The Kenya Survivor Ride is a group of 15-20 riders, mostly Kenyans and some foreigners.
The team was flagged off at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital on Monday and arrived in Kisumu the same day in the evening. They will arrive in Nairobi on Friday.
Lesiyampe said childhood cancers are a significant health challenge within the region and Kisumu is no exception.
He said the disease devastates families and raising awareness is crucial to ensuring early diagnosis and improving treatment outcomes.
"Unfortunately, childhood cancers often present with non-specific symptoms, leading to delays in diagnosis. This is why initiatives like Dr Lemmen's Kenya Survivor Ride are so important," he said.
The CEO added that by cycling across Kenya, Dr Lemmen and his team are sending a powerful message that childhood cancer is a critical issue that demands attention.
Their ride will spark conversations in communities across the country, encouraging parents to be vigilant about their children's health and seek medical attention promptly if they notice any concerning signs.
"On behalf of JOOTRH, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Dr Lemmen and all the cyclists participating in the Kenya Survivor Ride. Your dedication, courage and commitment to this cause are truly inspiring. We particularly appreciate your decision to include Kisumu Jaramogi Hospital in your itinerary".
The visit, Lesiyampe said, will not only raise awareness in Kisumu but also foster collaboration between healthcare facilities across Kenya, strengthening the collective fight against childhood cancers.
Globally, over 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually. Tragically, half of these children lose their fight before receiving a diagnosis.
However, a beacon of hope exists: with proper treatment, approximately 80 per cent of diagnosed children can live beyond five years.