Brenda Murugi, a medical laboratory expert specializing in clinical histocytopathology and a cervical cancer advocate, has turned her expertise into a mission that saves lives and empowers women across Kenya.
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Kenya, despite the availability of effective screening methods such as VIA/VILI, Pap smears, and HPV testing. Many women still face barriers to screening, including limited access to healthcare facilities, lack of awareness, and persistent misconceptions about the disease.
National health data and recent research show that screening prevalence remains stubbornly low, with some nationwide surveys indicating screening rates far below the WHO target of 70 % by ages 35–45 and one multicounty analysis reporting only about 7.4 % of women aged 15–49 had ever been screened in the surveyed populations. In response, the Government of Kenya launched the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030 to expand prevention, early detection, and treatment, including strategies to extend HPV DNA testing and improve access at the primary care level. These persistent gaps in screening and follow‑up care mean many women remain at risk of late diagnosis and poor outcomes, that is why the work of Brenda Murugi Nthuku is now more important than ever.
Brenda Murugi Nthuku stands out as a passionate advocate for women’s health and a force for change in cervical cancer prevention in Kenya. Based in Nairobi and pursuing postgraduate studies in Clinical Histocytopathology, Brenda brings both expertise and hands-on experience to her work. Professionally, she has conducted in-depth research on cervical cancer, including a study among HIV-positive women at Machakos Level 5 Hospital that focused on the association between high-risk HPV and bacterial vaginosis co-infection. The full study can be accessed here.
“On a personal level, my work is strongly driven by a commitment to advancing women’s health in low-resource settings. I am passionate about translating research into practice, strengthening early detection, and advocating for equitable access to cervical cancer screening and care through research, community engagement, and health advocacy.”
Brenda Murugi Nthuku
Through this work, she seeks not only to provide medical solutions but also to empower women with knowledge, making prevention and early detection more accessible than ever.
Detecting Early, Saving Lives
At Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Brenda Murugi played a central role in cervical cancer screening and early detection. During the research period, she coordinated cervical cancer screening activities at the Comprehensive Care Clinic, collected samples, conducted HPV testing, and worked closely with the cytologist to interpret and report Pap smear results. She also ensured all procedures adhered to approved guidelines, prepared study documents, and secured ethical approvals to guarantee the work was conducted responsibly.
Brenda emphasizes the importance of combining different screening methods to maximize early detection. “From my experience, VIA/VILI, Pap smears, and HPV testing are very important for identifying cervical cancer early,”she explains. VIA/VILI uses simple solutions, acetic acid for VIA and Lugol’s iodine for VILI, to detect abnormal cervical changes visually, producing results immediately so women can be screened and managed in a single visit. Pap smears identify early cellular changes before symptoms appear, while HPV testing detects high-risk virus types even before any visible changes occur.
Together, these methods provide a practical, affordable, and effective approach to cervical cancer screening in Kenya, supporting early detection and saving lives. “When used together, these methods provide a practical, affordable, and effective approach to cervical cancer screening in Kenya, supporting early detection and saving lives,” Brenda notes.
Analysis of screening data also reveals important trends. Brenda notes that women living with HIV show higher rates of abnormal results, underlining the link between weakened immunity and persistent HPV infection. She also observed that many women had no symptoms at the time of screening, yet early cervical changes were identified in some women, highlighting the silent nature of cervical cancer and the importance of regular screening.
Her research aligns closely with insights shared in our previous feature, Ceciliah Mahugu: A Clinical Perspective on Early Detection of Cervical Cancer in Kenya, which highlighted how HIV weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to clear high-risk HPV infections. This immune suppression allows precancerous cervical changes to progress more rapidly and often at younger ages among women living with HIV. Brenda’s work at Machakos Level 5 Hospital reinforces this reality and points to the continued need for targeted screening, early detection, and sustained follow-up care for women at higher risk.
Targeted education in hospital settings has led to positive outcomes. For example, nearly 90 percent of women at Machakos Level 5 Hospital’s Comprehensive Care Clinic had previously undergone VIA/VILI screening.
Community Voices
For Brenda Murugi, preventing cervical cancer goes beyond the lab, it means listening to women, hearing their concerns, and giving them the knowledge to take charge of their health. From her interactions with patients, she has identified several barriers that prevent women from seeking screening. “Many women fear receiving a positive cancer diagnosis and worry that a positive result automatically means death,” she explains. Others believe screening is only necessary when symptoms appear, or they feel discomfort with the procedure itself, especially when the caregiver is male or much younger.
She also notes that misconceptions play a powerful role. Some women think cervical cancer only affects older women, or that being healthy means screening is unnecessary. Others associate screening with promiscuity, which fuels stigma and discourages participation. Practical challenges, such as work and family commitments, financial constraints, and long distances to health facilities, add to the problem. Cultural beliefs, partner influence, and lack of family support further hinder screening uptake.
Brenda emphasizes that addressing these barriers requires a patient-centered approach. Through education, counseling, and community outreach, she works to dispel myths, reduce fear, and foster proactive health-seeking behavior. “Community awareness is essential for improving cervical cancer screening and prevention,” she notes. Outreach programs help reach women who may not regularly access health facilities, ensuring early detection and timely intervention. By increasing knowledge and access, these efforts directly contribute to higher screening uptake and better prevention outcomes.
Brenda Murugi’s Vision for Cervical Cancer Screening in Kenya
Brenda Murugi approaches cervical cancer prevention as both a professional responsibility and a personal commitment. “Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early,” she emphasizes. She urges women to prioritize their health through regular screening, even when they feel healthy, and to ensure timely follow-up after screening. “Early action saves lives,” she notes, “so I encourage every woman to take that first step and spread awareness in her community. Prevention starts with knowledge, access, and courage.”
Looking ahead, Brenda envisions a Kenya where every woman, regardless of her background or location, has access to regular screening, HPV vaccination, and timely treatment. She imagines a country where awareness is widespread, misconceptions are minimized, and preventive services are fully integrated into routine healthcare, making early detection the norm rather than the exception.
“My vision for cervical cancer prevention and early detection in Kenya is a future where every woman, regardless of background or location, has access to regular screening, accurate information, awareness about cervical cancer, and timely treatment, where early detection becomes the norm rather than the exception.”
Brenda Murugi Nthuku
She is actively contributing to this vision in multiple ways. Through her research, she generates evidence that informs screening programs and policy decisions, particularly for high-risk populations. Through community outreach and patient education, she raises awareness and empowers women to take proactive steps for their health.
Beyond these efforts, Brenda has also launched Rugi Health Solutions, a healthcare startup focused on improving quality of life through accessible and innovative medical solutions. While the business initially provides high-quality incontinence products, it reflects her broader commitment to strengthening healthcare access and addressing the needs of women and families across Kenya.
Through research, advocacy, community engagement, and entrepreneurial initiatives, Brenda Murugi Nthuku is building a future where cervical cancer is no longer a silent threat, where early detection and prevention are within every woman’s reach.
Brenda Murugi Nthuku’s work reflects a commitment to protecting women’s health through early detection, education, and access to care. From laboratory research to community engagement, her efforts highlight the power of informed screening and timely prevention.
As Kenya continues its journey toward cervical cancer elimination, her work offers a clear reminder that progress begins with knowledge, trust, and action at every level of care. Through her dedication, Brenda continues to help shape a future where cervical cancer is detected early, treated promptly, and prevented altogether.
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