At Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!, we believe that you cannot pour from an empty cup. Civic actors, who tirelessly advocate for justice, equality, and good governance, often carry invisible emotional and psychological burdens. Yet, in the rush to serve others, their own wellbeing is too often forgotten.
Today, we proudly launched the “Towards Care, Healing, and Resilience” Wellness Toolkit— a milestone born out of our commitment to nurture those who nurture others. This toolkit is not just a document; it’s a call to action. A reminder that wellness must be at the heart of every institution, movement, and organization that drives change.
The launch brought together partners, civic actors, and mental health advocates from across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, all united by a shared goal: to build a stronger, more compassionate ecosystem for those on the frontlines of social transformation.
In her keynote address, Dr. Catherine Waweru, Focal Person for Mental Health Integration at the Ministry of Health, reminded us that “It’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay to ask for help.” She emphasized that centering self and collective care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for sustainable impact.
Ann Gathumbi, Managing Director at What Works, Impact at Scale Programme, echoed this by noting that “Healing must become part of the DNA of every movement and institution — not as an afterthought, but as a way of sustaining meaningful impact.”
The Wellness Toolkit provides practical steps for institutions to assess, design, and implement tailored wellness strategies that respond to their unique contexts and needs. It encourages organizations to move beyond ad hoc wellness activities toward building sustainable systems of care that protect, restore, and empower those doing the work.
As we wrapped up the event, we were filled with gratitude — to our partners from Uganda and Tanzania, our dedicated audience, and most especially to the Ford Foundation for their steadfast support in making the Wellness Program possible.
This toolkit is more than a resource; it’s a movement. A promise to make care, healing, and resilience central to how we work, lead, and live.
Read and download the toolkit and join us in building a wellness ecosystem for civic actors across East Africa.
