Mental Wellness and
Avoidance of Substance Abuse
MWASA is a Kenyan NGO dedicated to promoting mental wellness and preventing substance abuse among young people, advancing education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
Community Mental Health Drive
MWASA peer counselors engage youth during a school outreach event.
"True recovery isn't just about stopping a substance; it's about starting a new life."
— MWASA
MWASA Monthly Webinar Series
Mental Health & Psychosocial Wellbeing in Kenya
Building resilient minds, strong communities, hopeful futures. A free monthly webinar for MWASA staff, facilitators, volunteers, teachers, parents, and young people across Kenya — one mental health theme a month, from breaking the silence to community healing.
"You don't have to do this perfectly. You just have to keep coming back."Register for Free
Three Pathways to
Healing & Hope
Every person's journey is different. MWASA meets you where you are — through prevention, support, and recovery.
Prevention & Education
School outreach drives, student mental health clubs, and community awareness campaigns that educate before crisis strikes.
View ProgramsCrisis Support & Counseling
24/7 free helpline with trained counselors, confidential walk-in sessions, and family conflict resolution at our wellness centres.
Get Help NowRecovery & Empowerment
Peer-led Shujaa recovery circles, vocational skills training, and livelihood programs that rebuild dignity and independence.
Our Approach
12.5% of Kakamega County's Population Struggles with Mental Health & Substance Issues
That's over 233,000 people — many of them young people — facing depression, anxiety, and substance dependency with almost no access to professional support. Kenya has fewer than 500 psychiatrists for 55 million people.
Stories of Hope & Resilience
Our Impact Across Kakamega County
Select a region to explore our field presence and community reach.
Bukura — MWASA Headquarters
4,200+ Youth • 12 Peer Circles • 3 Wellness Centres
Home to MWASA's flagship Community Wellness Centre, 24/7 crisis helpline operations, vocational training workshops, and the Shujaa champion peer network hub.
Contact Local Officer
Our Global Impact
Our Commitment to Global Goals: Working with the UN SDGs
Good Health and Well-Being
We directly combat the non-communicable disease of substance use disorder through prevention programs, evidence-based treatment, and long-term aftercare. Our unique focus on building mental resilience is a proactive promotion of mental health, reducing the burden of disease and saving lives.
Quality Education
A healthy mind is essential for learning. Substance abuse and untreated mental health issues are significant barriers to education. By supporting the well-being of individuals and families, we help create the stable, healthy environments necessary for children and adults to thrive academically and pursue lifelong learning.
Gender Equality
Women often face unique barriers and stigmas when seeking treatment for addiction and mental health. We provide gender-sensitive care and trauma-informed services that address these specific challenges, empowering women to heal and achieve equality in all aspects of their lives.
Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Addiction can be a driver of crime and violence, while also stemming from trauma. By treating the root causes, we contribute to safer communities and reduce the burden on the justice system. We also advocate for policies that treat addiction as a health issue, not a criminal one, supporting stronger, more just institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, completely free. All counseling, helpline calls, and peer support services are provided at no cost to youth, students, families, and anyone in Kakamega County who needs support. We believe financial barriers should never prevent someone from getting help.
All communications are strictly between you and your counselor. You may remain completely anonymous. We do not share information with families, employers, schools, or law enforcement unless there is an immediate threat to life.
School principals, guidance counselors, or student leaders can submit a request on our Contact page or call +254-142645019. Our team will schedule a free on-site wellness drive within 2 weeks.
We provide support for all forms of substance dependency including alcohol (changaa, busaa), cannabis (bhang), miraa (khat), tobacco, prescription drug misuse, and emerging synthetic substances. Our approach treats addiction as a health condition, not a moral failing.
You can donate via M-Changa (M-Pesa compatible), volunteer through our volunteer application form, or contact us at info@mwasa.co.ke to discuss partnerships.
"Before MWASA came to our village, we were losing an entire generation to substance abuse. Through their peer counseling and vocational training, I have watched broken youth transform into leaders. They didn't just bring awareness; they brought hope back to Kakamega."
Mama Omondi
Community Leader, Bukura
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you need support, want to volunteer, or wish to contribute — every action creates ripples of hope.