What the Past Ten Years of Clean Start Africa Mean to Me

The past ten years of Clean Start Africa represent hope, restoration, and second chances. For me, it is much more personal, it is a story that reflects my own journey. Clean Start Africa has spent the last decade restoring dignity, supporting rehabilitation, creating re-entry pathways, and advocating for systemic change for vulnerable women, children, and youth. 

My mother was incarcerated for 22 years. Growing up with a parent in prison came with challenges, pain, uncertainty, and many unanswered questions. Like many children affected by incarceration, I experienced the emotional and social impact of being separated from a parent. Yet, through this experience, I discovered resilience, empathy, and a desire to make a difference.
Today, I am proud to work with the Children and Youth Department at Clean Start Africa. This opportunity means that I can transform my lived experience into a source of hope for others. I understand the struggles that children and young people face when a parent is incarcerated because I have walked that path myself. My story allows me to connect with them not only as a mentor but also as someone who truly understands.

To me, the past ten years of Clean Start Africa represent the power of turning pain into purpose. The organization has touched thousands of lives by helping women, children, and youth rebuild their futures and believe in themselves again. 

As Clean Start Africa celebrates a decade of impact, I celebrate the lives that have been transformed, the families that have been reunited, and the children who now have hope despite difficult circumstances. I am honored to be part of this journey and to contribute to creating a future where every child affected by incarceration knows that their circumstances do not define their destiny.

The past ten years of Clean Start Africa mean one simple but powerful thing to me: second chances are possible, healing is possible, and every story can become a story of hope.

A High Moment That Stands Out in My Experience

One of the most memorable and inspiring moments in my journey with Clean Start Africa happened in 2025 when 12 incarcerated women were released from Lang'ata Women's Prison. Clean Start Africa was entrusted with the opportunity to walk alongside these women as they transitioned back into their families and communities.

What made this moment special was not only witnessing their release but also seeing the organization provide continuous support through its programs. We were able to shepherd these women through their reintegration journey, offering guidance, encouragement, and practical support as they rebuilt their lives. Following up with them and seeing many of them join the community chapters was a powerful reminder that transformation is possible when people are given a second chance and the right support system.

For me, this experience was deeply meaningful because it reflected the very mission of Clean Start Africa, restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity to those impacted by the criminal justice system. Seeing these women grow in confidence, reconnect with their families, and become active members of supportive communities was a true testament to the impact of the organization's work.

This moment stands out because it showed me that rehabilitation does not end at prison release. Real change happens when people are welcomed, supported, and empowered to build a new future. Being part of that journey and witnessing those transformations firsthand remains one of the highlights of my experience with Clean Start Africa.

A Low or Challenging Moment That Shaped My Journey

One of the most difficult moments in my journey was when a young woman whom we had supported through her reintegration process after leaving a rehabilitation center became involved in a serious criminal case and was later incarcerated at Lang'ata Women's Prison.

Our team had invested time, care, and hope in helping her reconnect with her family and rebuild her life. We believed she was on a positive path, so learning about her arrest and incarceration was heartbreaking. It was a moment that left me with many questions and emotions, including disappointment, sadness, and concern for her future.

This experience challenged my understanding of rehabilitation and reintegration. It reminded me that transformation is rarely a straight path and that young people often face complex personal, family, and social pressures even after receiving support. Sometimes, despite everyone's best efforts, setbacks happen.

The experience shaped me by teaching me resilience, patience, and the importance of continuing to believe in people even when outcomes are not what we hoped for. It reinforced the need for long-term support, mentorship, and follow-up for vulnerable youth as they navigate difficult transitions.

Although it was a painful moment, it strengthened my commitment to the work I do. It reminded me that every young person deserves support, guidance, and opportunities to make positive choices, and that our role is to keep walking alongside them through both successes and setbacks.

What I Am Most Excited and Hopeful About as We Look Ahead to the Next Decade
As I look ahead to the next decade, I am most excited about seeing the Children and Youth Department grow and expand its impact. Having experienced firsthand the challenges that children face when a parent is incarcerated, I know how important it is to have programs that provide support, mentorship, hope, and opportunities for growth.

My hope is that the department will grow massively, reaching more children and young people affected by the criminal justice system and ensuring that no child feels alone in their journey. I would love to see more mentorship programs, life-skills training, educational support, and leadership opportunities that empower young people to overcome their circumstances and achieve their full potential.

I am also hopeful about the future of Clean Start Africa as a whole. My vision is to see Clean Start Africa expand beyond Kenya and establish its presence in many African countries, replicating the impactful work that has been built here over the years. The challenges faced by women, children, and youth impacted by the criminal justice system are not unique to Kenya, and I believe the organization's model of restoration, reintegration, and empowerment can transform lives across the continent.

As we look to the future, I am excited about the possibility of reaching more families, restoring more lives, and creating stronger communities throughout Africa. My hope is that the next decade will be marked by growth, innovation, and an even greater impact, ensuring that more people are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives and thrive.
For me, the next decade is about expanding hope, reaching more children, empowering more youth, supporting more families, and seeing Clean Start Africa's vision touch lives across Africa.

Natasha Njeri - Youth and Children Program Officer