This past December, our research team embarked on a journey to Nairobi, Kenya, to reconnect with our Kenyan collaborators and members of the Cameroonian research team. Our mission was clear: to assess the progress of our study implementing an early warning signs and symptoms intervention to improve detection and referral pathways for pediatric cancers in Kenya and Cameroon¹. We visited health facilities and met with operational implementation teams in Nairobi, Embu, and Machakos counties, eager to witness firsthand the impact of our collective efforts.
The Unexpected Test
One crisp morning, ten of us—Canadian and local researchers representing diverse backgrounds—packed into a van for a 3½-hour drive north of Nairobi to Embu Town. Our destination: to visit the operational implementation team responsible for rolling out the intervention in that region. The countryside rolled by, and our spirits were high until an unexpected stop by local law enforcement on the outskirts of Embu changed the course of our day.
The police officer approached our driver, requested credentials, and informed him he had been caught speeding. Anxiety rippled through our group. Our Kenyan project coordinator immediately reached out to the local implementation team. At the same time, the driver was instructed to head to the police station to appear in court and pay a fine. For a moment, our plans—and the outcome for our driver—hung in uncertainty.
The Power of Local Partnerships
What happened next was a testament to the strength and influence of local implementation teams2. As we drove into town, the lead of the Embu County operational implementation team—deeply respected and connected within the community—sprang into action. Within minutes, the situation was resolved: no fine, no court appearance, and our plans for the day were back on track. This was not luck, but the result of trust, respect, and the robust networks our local partners have built over years of dedicated work.
Why Local Operational Teams Matter
This experience underscored a vital lesson: local implementation teams – comprised of individuals living and working in the implementing setting – are the backbone of successful implementation. Their knowledge, networks, and commitment transform ambitious projects into lasting change. When challenges arise—whether logistical, cultural, or unexpected—operational implementation teams, backed by leadership implementation teams, navigate complexities, protect project integrity, and ensure that research efforts remain focused on their goal: improving lives.
Our intervention to improve detection and referral pathways for pediatric cancers would not be possible without the expertise and influence of our local colleagues. They are not just collaborators; they are leaders, advocates, and problem-solvers whose contributions extend far beyond the boundaries of any single project.
Lessons for Future Research
As we reflect on our journey, one thing is clear: building strong, respectful partnerships with local implementation teams is essential to achieving meaningful, sustainable impact. Their voices must be at the center of every stage—from planning to execution to evaluation and sustainment. For researchers everywhere, let this story serve as a reminder: empower your local partners, invest in their leadership, and recognize that true change is always a collaborative effort.
1 Denburg A, Gupta S, Barwick M, Fowokan A, Githanga J, Macharia W, Martiniuk A, Afungchwi G, Bhutta Z, Freccero P, Hoffman R, Horton S, Karagu A, Mashauri F, Nyangasi M, Orem J, Petricca K, Pondy A, Rogo K, Sonoiya, S. An adapted early warning signs and symptoms (EWSS) intervention to improve early recognition and referral of childhood cancers in Kenya and Cameroon: An Effectiveness Implementation Study. 5 years, CIHR Project Grant, Spring 2022-2027.
2 Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. (n.d.). Teams. Active Implementation Hub. Retrieved January 6, 2026, from https://implementation.fpg.unc.edu/implementation-practice/teams/