Prison was not an easy place for Makena. It stripped away her freedom, her identity, and at times, her hope. “Life inside was tough and demeaning,” she recalls. The harsh language, the strict environment, and the daily routines were unrelenting. Yet in those years, she found herself observing, listening, and learning. One of her most powerful realizations was that every woman behind bars carried a story, often rooted in abuse, toxic relationships, or circumstances beyond their control. It was in prison that she learned resilience, patience, and above all, the value of freedom.

When her release finally came, Makena faced a mix of relief and fear. The world outside had changed, and she was anxious about where she would belong. Though her return home was marked by uncertainty, the kindness of a close friend and the support of Clean Start Africa offered her shelter, essential supplies, and the courage to begin again. “It was emotional,” she says. “I expected stigma and rejection, but instead, I found acceptance in unexpected places. It reminded me that I still belong.”

That acceptance, however, came with limits. Makena still struggles with the silent weight of judgment, knowing that not everyone would embrace her if they knew her past. Yet at Lintons Academy, where she is training, she has found a rare space of non-judgment, growth, and belonging. “Here, people understand me. They don’t see me as my past. They see me as someone with a future.”

With the help and guidance of Clean Start Africa through the UFUNUO program training she undertook while in prison, Makena has been able to rebuild her confidence. She has embraced the tools of self-awareness, healing, and forgiveness. She no longer defines herself by the label of “prisoner,” but by her resilience and her dreams. She now looks forward with determination to growing her salon business in Kangemi, Nairobi, one that not only offers affordable beauty services but also stands as a symbol of her second chance.

Using training from the Project Management Institute (PMI), Makena carefully crafted a simple yet powerful business plan. She mapped out her “What, Where, When, Why, and How”, a guide to transform her vision into reality. Her plan details affordable services for the Kangemi

community, her step-by-step approach to setting up a salon, and the careful financial management she is adopting to make it sustainable. She dreams of a space that is not just a salon but a haven where women can feel valued, beautiful, and respected. It is her heartfelt desire that well-wishers come forth to support her in setting up and starting her salon business upon completing her training at Lintons Academy and this can be done through Clean Start Africa.

For Makena, this business is more than a livelihood. It is a statement of independence, healing, and hope. “I dream of becoming an independent businesswoman,” she says with quiet conviction, “and one day mentoring other women who come from prison.”

Her message to them is simple yet profound: “Do not give up. Even if you have gone through prison or abuse, you can heal, rebuild, and find a new path.”