The Rotaract Club of Karen launched the Knitting Ninjas Project in 2022, a heartfelt initiative supporting women who have undergone mastectomy in their journey toward healing and renewed confidence.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Rotaract Club of Karen launched the Knitting Ninjas Project in 2022, a heartfelt initiative supporting women who have undergone mastectomy in their journey toward healing and renewed confidence.
Many survivors in Kenya face challenges accessing affordable and comfortable breast prosthetics, which often affects their self-esteem and daily lives. To address this, the project mobilizes volunteers to hand-crochet soft breast prostheses (knockers) as a light, safe, and affordable alternative to silicone options. Each knocker costs approximately Ksh 500 to make, covering yarn, labour, and materials, but its true value lies in the compassion, dignity, and hope it carries.
The Knitting Ninjas Project carries a dual impact: it not only supports breast cancer survivors by providing them with handmade prostheses but also empowers participants (Rotarians, Rotaractors and guests) by teaching them the art of crocheting. Through these skill-building sessions, beneficiaries gain both confidence and a potential source of income, ensuring that the project uplifts lives through healing and empowerment alike.
In previous years, the Club partnered with organizations such as Cancer Café, Bikers for Boobies, the Women Bikers Association, Nakuru Hospice, and the Women’s Support Groups of Breast Cancer Survivors and Women from Kuwinda Village (Kuwinda Ladies). These partnerships have been instrumental in distributing prosthetics and expanding the project’s reach to underserved communities.
This year, the Club set an ambitious goal to make 400 knockers for 150 women. So far, about 130 knockers have been completed through teamwork, creativity, and community support. The final handover will take place at the Nairobi Hospital, in partnership with: Cancer Café; Henzo Kenya and Kuwinda Ladies.
The project has been further strengthened through collaboration with our Rotary and Rotaract partners, including the Rotary Club of Karen (our Mother Club), the Rotaract Club of the University of Nairobi, and the Rotaract E-Club of Kampala North, whose shared commitment has amplified the project’s impact and sustainability.
Beyond offering physical comfort, Knitting Ninjas has become a space for empathy, dialogue, and empowerment. It has opened conversations on body image, survivorship, and post-surgery wellness, while encouraging awareness on early screening and community-based support.
Designed as a continuous initiative, the Club is currently in its fourth phase, aiming to produce 200 pairs of prostheses for 200 women across Kenya. Future plans include expanding community training programs to equip more women’s groups with crocheting skills, creating both social impact and sustainable livelihoods. Strengthened partnerships with hospices, hospitals, and cancer support networks will ensure wider reach, especially for survivors in rural areas.
Through Knitting Ninjas, the Rotaract Club of Karen continues to embody the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self” — one stitch, one story, and one restored smile at a time.