My first encounter with Clean Start Africa was while serving a three-year sentence at Lang’ata Women’s Maximum-Security Prison. I was convicted on 28th July 2017 and was later released on a Community Service Order on 26th November 2018. During my incarceration, in March 2018, Clean Start Africa was piloting a mindset transformation program known as SPEAR. I was privileged to be selected as one of the fifteen participants in the inaugural cohort.

Among the many programs offered within the prison system, SPEAR was the one that resonated most deeply with my personal needs. It addressed an often-overlooked aspect of rehabilitation, healing from trauma. Through its family engagement component, the program also transformed the perception my family had of imprisonment. Instead of viewing incarceration as the end of one's potential, they began to see it as an opportunity for personal transformation, learning, and preparation for successful reintegration into society.

Having personally witnessed the profound impact of trauma among incarcerated women, I resolved that I would become part of the solution. I was determined to contribute to initiatives that address trauma healing and support successful reintegration.

Over the years, I have been privileged to participate in the development and curation of the Ufunuo Leadership Program, which is currently being implemented across all women's prisons in Kenya. I have also supported the establishment and growth of Clean Start Africa chapters across the country, extending the organization's reach and impact to more communities.

In addition, I revitalized SOKO, a platform that packages, markets, and promotes products produced by Clean Start Africa and its chapters. My experience leading this initiative equipped me with valuable skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, partnership development, and program sustainability. These skills continue to serve me in supporting chapters and strategic partnerships. Through our partnership with Lintons Academy, for example, thirty-six trainees have already benefited from vocational and skills development opportunities that are creating sustainable pathways for reintegration, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.

Being part of this journey has reinforced my belief that meaningful change is possible when compassion, innovation, and collaboration come together around a shared purpose.
One of my highest moments has been witnessing lives transformed through our own home-grown innovations and programs. Seeing individuals who once faced significant barriers successfully reintegrate into society, secure meaningful livelihoods, restore family relationships, and become productive contributors within their communities is deeply fulfilling. These successes affirm the value of our work and serve as powerful reminders that investing in people creates a lasting ripple effect that benefits families, communities, and future generations.

At the same time, some of the most challenging moments have arisen when the needs of our constituents far exceeded the resources and opportunities available to support them. Systemic barriers, unforeseen circumstances, and more recent shifts within the funding landscape have at times slowed progress and limited the support we could provide. While difficult, these experiences have strengthened our resilience and inspired us to pursue innovative partnerships, sustainable models, and creative solutions to expand our impact and reach.
As we celebrate a decade of service and reflect on all that has been achieved by the grace of God, I am filled with excitement and hope for the future. The next decade presents immense opportunities to deepen our impact, expand our reach, and strengthen the systems that support sustainable transformation.

I am particularly encouraged by the potential to leverage strategic partnerships, skills development, technology, and evidence-based interventions to create even greater pathways for empowerment and reintegration, especially through our growing network of chapters. My hope is to see the establishment of a robust, scalable model that not only transforms lives across Kenya but also serves as a benchmark for reintegration and restorative justice programmed at a global level.

As Clean Start Africa enters its next decade, I remain grateful to be part of a movement that continues to restore hope, transform lives, and create opportunities for individuals to achieve a truly clean start.