About us
At Wema Nafsi, our vision is to cultivate mental well-being within communities, fostering environments where individuals and families can thrive. Our commitment lies in proactive prevention, addressing the root causes of mental health challenges to pave the way for a world where good mental health is a reality for all.
Our approach
We take a public mental health approach to prevention, finding solutions for individuals, those at risk and for society, in order to improve everyone’s mental wellbeing.
The practical things we do
Community and peer programmes: we test and evaluate the best approaches to improving mental health in communities and then roll them out as widely as possible.
Research: we publish studies and reports on what protects mental health and the causes of poor mental health and how to tackle them.
Public engagement: we give advice to millions of people on mental health. We are most well known for running Mental Health Awareness Week across Kenya and East Africa each year.
Advocacy: we propose solutions and campaign for change to address the underlying causes of poor mental health.
What we don’t do
We are not an academic think tank or research institute. We generate and apply evidence in real world settings.
We are not a mental health service provider for when people are unwell.
We don't only focus on individual actions and steps - we look at both the personal and societal changes that can improve and protect everyone’s mental health.
Wema Nafsi Team
Vision for Mental Wellness: Transforming Lives with Wema Nafsi
At Wema Nafsi, our vision is to cultivate mental well-being within communities, fostering environments where individuals and families can thrive. Our commitment lies in proactive prevention, addressing the root causes of mental health challenges to pave the way for a world where good mental health is a reality for all.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to drive transformative change, steering societies towards optimal mental health. We are dedicated to supporting communities, families, and individuals in leading mentally healthier lives. With a particular emphasis on those facing heightened risks, our initiatives are designed to create a ripple effect of positive well-being.
Viola Atieno
Chairperson & Board member
Ms. Atieno is a trained Social Worker with 8 years experience in the care of patients with chronic neurological conditions. She is also an experienced counselor in trauma and depression.
Emily Nyambura Akinyi
Secretary
Ms. Nyambura is a trained Public Relations manager with 4 yrs work experience at private sector institutions. She also works on record keeping having in mind strict confidentiality.
Emily Weffubwa:
Psychologist: mental wellness
Ms. Weffubwa brings on board over 30 years work experience in public service as a psychologist dealing in mental wellness of staff members and the public. She heads the project on femicide and men-mental health, bringing approaches for dialogue and non-violent communication.
Grace Kabuiya
Senior Content Writer/Editor
Ms. Kabuiya creates content for Wema Nafsi Screening Platform. She writes articles that help readers at the start of their mental health
Barbara Luchendo
Chief Strategist and Treasurer
Ms. Luchendo has over 20 years work experience in community project management and finance within the NGO sector. A previous Project Manager with Women and Relief International, Ms. Luchendo brings on board knowledge and experience in project management of logic frameworks and logic models which align SDGs for women access to health and women rights. Ms. Luchendo has also worked in youth counselling centres in the greater Amagoro region bordering Uganda and Kenya.
Board members
Christine Ochieng
is the managing director of Kings & Queens of Kibera an orphanage in Kibera, Kenya, and a volunteer with red cross. she brings expertise in crisis management, trauma-informed care, program development, and compassionate support for vulnerable populations.
Quinter Murunga Bukachi
Is a lawyer with more than 10 years work experience in rights matters. She brings on board expert advise in women rights, criminal law and the justice system.
Harleys Ingosi
Mr. Ingosi is an experienced software analyst and developer. He has also been actively involved in men and mental health campaigns in Kenya, Uganda, DRC and Tanzania. Mr. Ingosi brings on board the needed guidance as far as understanding men's mental health and approaches for intervention.