Inter-school dance competition shines spotlight on Kenya's cancer burden
Events
By
Jael Wakesho
| Mar 04, 2026
Nairobi International School (NIS) transformed into a hub of rhythm and purpose as it hosted the Happy Feet Inter-School Dance Fest on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
The event drew a vibrant crowd of students, parents, and arts enthusiasts for a full day of performance and fundraising under clear weekend skies.
First on stage was the host’s junior team, setting an ambitious tone for the day with a striking display of choreography and bright costumes.
The diversity of talent was on full display as more than 10 teams from schools across Nairobi County performed a wide array of styles, including traditional and contemporary routines, Bollywood, salsa, Amapiano, hip-hop, and local dance forms.
However, the heartbeat of the festival extended beyond the competition.
The event served as a vital fundraiser for the Cancer Awareness Treatment and Support Initiative (CATSI), a non-governmental organisation founded in 2009 to support patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Wangechi Muchemi, a mother to one of the beneficiaries, shared a powerful testimony regarding her son, Wayne.
After being dismissed by initial medical consultations, Wayne was eventually diagnosed with stage 4 retinoblastoma.
"Devastated, I went public with it on social media, pleading for financial support, and that is when I discovered CATSI," Wangechi explained.
“The rest is history. My son is now a cancer-free 5-year-old boy who lives a normal life."
To date, CATSI has supported more than 30 patients like Wayne, offering a lifeline in a landscape where cancer remains a leading cause of death.
The weight of this mission is underscored by sobering statistics: globally, nearly 20 million new cancer cases were recorded in 2022.
Locally, the Kenya Cancer Statistics and National Strategies (KENCO) reports that the country registers approximately 42,000 to 47,000 new cases and more than 27,000 deaths annually.
After the awards, organisers closed the event by announcing an upcoming Cultural Day, promising an even larger and more educational showcase in the near future.
Photos: David Gichuru, Standard