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Championing Healthier Communities, Free from Substance Abuse

Our "Why": The Challenge We Address

MWASA is a non-governmental organization at the forefront of promoting healthy behaviors and preventing the devastating effects of substance misuse in Western Kenya. Founded on the belief that every individual has the right to a healthy, productive, and dignified life, we are dedicated to breaking the cycle of addiction through a multi-faceted and compassionate approach. The drug and substance abuse crisis in our communities is not just a statistic; it is a reality that shatters families and stifles potential. In Kakamega County alone, a staggering 12.5% of the population—over 233,000 people—are struggling with alcohol and drug abuse. This epidemic, driven by factors including poverty and mental health challenges, demands urgent, coordinated action. MWASA was established to be that catalyst for change.

Our Mission & Vision

Guided by a profound sense of purpose, our Mission and Vision form the essential blueprint for everything we do at MWASA. They represent both our immediate call to action and our ultimate aspiration for the communities we serve a future where health, dignity, and hope prevail over the devastation of substance abuse.

  • Our Mission

    To advance multi-disciplinary efforts in the promotion of healthy behaviors and prevention of substance misuse in communities through training, support, public awareness, and advocacy.

  • Our Vision

    To be a recognised leader in resource enlightenment and dissemination of high quality, innovative harm reduction and supportive strategies for individuals living with the devastating effects of substance abuse.

Our Holistic Approach: Five Pillars for Sustainable Impact

We address the deep connection between mental health and substance abuse, recognizing that they are often intertwined challenges. Our integrated approach ensures that prevention, treatment, and recovery support address the whole person—mind, body, and community.

Economic Empowerment & Prevention

We tackle root causes like poverty and hopelessness, which can lead to poor mental health and substance use. By fostering sustainable livelihoods through skills training, we build economic resilience and provide a sense of purpose that acts as a powerful protective factor.

Training & Capacity Building

We equip community health workers, teachers, and leaders with the skills to identify early signs of mental health struggles and substance misuse. This training enables effective intervention and guides individuals toward appropriate care before crises escalate.

Public Awareness & Stigma Reduction

We work to dismantle the stigma surrounding both mental illness and substance abuse through community education. Our campaigns clarify that these are health conditions, not moral failings, and promote the message that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Advocacy for Integrated Policies

We champion for policies and funding that combine mental health and substance abuse services. We advocate for a healthcare system where treatment for both is accessible, coordinated, and recognized as essential to public health.

Integrated Support & Rehabilitation

We provide and connect individuals to services that treat co-occurring disorders. This includes counseling for trauma, anxiety, and depression alongside substance abuse rehabilitation, ensuring a comprehensive path to healing for individuals and their families.

Our Core Values

Our work is guided by an unwavering commitment to:

Integrity

We uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and transparency.

Excellence

We are dedicated to continuous improvement and achieving the best possible outcomes for our communities.

Teamwork

We believe in the power of collaboration, building effective relationships with stakeholders to achieve our shared goals.

Inclusivity

We create a safe and welcoming environment for all, celebrating diversity and ensuring every person is treated with unwavering dignity and respect, free from stigma or discrimination.

Innovation

We embrace creative thinking and adapt evidence-based practices to develop effective, context-specific solutions for mental health and substance abuse care.

Sustainability

We focus on building long-term capacity within communities, ensuring our interventions create lasting change and empower individuals to maintain their recovery and well-being.

Our Impact

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Our Team Members

Holder of an MSc in Psychology with a focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing, she is an experienced HR professional and CIPD member, with extensive expertise gained from working across the UK, UAE, and Kenya. The recent loss of her sibling to illicit alcohol has deepened her commitment to supporting and advancing the objectives of MWASA.
Carolyn N. Odongo
​Board Member (Patron), MWASA
carolyn.odongo@mwasa.co.ke
A hotelier and student based in Kakamega County, she is connected with a counseling psychologist involved in the "Boys to Men: Walk with the Boy Child" program. Her network aligns tangential to supporting MWASA's objectives.
Cynthia Luyegu Shilobe
Board Member (Chairlady), MWASA
cynthia.luyegu@mwasa.co.ke
Esther, holder of an MA in Rural Sociology and Community Development and an associate degree in Education for Sustainable Development, is an experienced consultant with 15 years in UN-WFP program coordination, specializing in youth health and nutrition policy in Kenya.
Esther Nyakoa Nyamwati
Board Member (Acting Assistant Chairlady), MWASA
esther.nyamwati@mwasa.co.ke
​​Dr Beatrice Mulama is a medical doctor with 28 years of experience in the field. She is a senior medical specialist currently working with Kenyatta National Hospital. She is a trained radiologist but also has a passion for the mental well-being of especially the youth.
Dr. Beatrice Mulama
​Board Member (Secretary), MWASA
beatrice.mulama@mwasa.co.ke
Millicent Adah Odanga is a distinguished and dedicated career civil servant and Executive Assistant who expertly enhances operational efficiency through strategic scheduling and coordination, leveraging her role to champion key social initiatives including Gender, Youth, and Disability Mainstreaming, wellness policies, and drug abuse awareness collaborations with agencies like NACADA while actively contributing as a member of Queen Esther’s Generation, CITAM Women’s Ministry, and the Butere Girls High School Alumni Association.
Millicent Adah Odanga
Board Member (Assistant Secretary), MWASA
millicent.odanga@mwasa.co.ke
Rosaleen is a Special Needs Education specialist and Curriculum Support Officer whose personal experience with substance abuse-related domestic violence has fueled her advocacy work, complemented by her role as Treasurer of the Kenya Nile and Discourse Forum.
Rosaleen Eshikumo
Board Member (Treasurer), MWASA
rosaleen.eshikumo@mwasa.co.ke
Rosalyn is a lawyer and former public servant with experience in promoting women’s economic empowerment. She is also a counselor specializing in Biblical Ministry and has worked extensively with women struggling with addiction. Having witnessed the impact of illicit brews on her family and community for decades, she has deep insight into the challenges posed by substance abuse.
Rosalyn Waseka Nandwa
Board Member, MWASA
rosalyn.nandwa@mwasa.co.ke
Chief Designer and Director of Interior Design Services at the State Department for Public Works, specializing in planning, designing, constructing and maintaining interiors of government assets in the field of built environment. Skilled in project management, strategic planning, gender mainstreaming, disability awareness, universal accessibility and expertise in architectural design. She has a commitment to learning and is dedicated to supporting MWASA achieve its initiatives.
Christine Songole (Sikinyi)
​Board Member, MWASA
esther.nyamwati@mwasa.co.ke
​​She specialises in Counseling Psychology, with experience gained through Amani Counseling and Training Centre Institute. With 1,000 hours of counseling practice, she is skilled in addressing a range of psychological challenges, including trauma, grief, substance abuse, stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, marital concerns, youth challenges (such as addictions, self-esteem, academic performance, and peer pressure), and personal development. She is also a member of the National Counselors and Psychologists Board. In addition to her psychology expertise, Eunice holds a Master of Arts in Monitoring and Evaluation, a BA in Public Relations, and a Prince 2 Certification. She has extensive experience in project management and monitoring, having worked for over a decade at UNDP-GEF and UNDP Kenya. She is also a member of MWASA, contributing to community awareness and inclusion strategies for substance abuse eradication and psychological wellness.
Eunice A. Onyango Miruka
Board Member, MWASA
Currently majoring in Cybersecurity in Riara University. Also holding a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy. Experience in policy and international affairs locally and abroad. Training and advisor under MWASA to students trying to achieve their goals with the right mindset, goal oriented and strategic thinking for their future.
Joseph Richard Eshutchi
Friend, MWASA ​
Bryan Odongo, popularly known as DJ WADE Q, is a professional audio-visual DJ and currently a Radio DJ at Mulembe FM. He has extensive experience in both corporate and non-corporate events, specializing in indoor and outdoor functions as an event planner and social media content strategist. He is currently pursuing a degree in Broadcast Production at the University of Nairobi.
Bryan Odongo
Friend, MWASA ​
Derrick Chitala is a digital entrepreneur and youth advocate who leverages his popular TikTok platform, @sidehustleskibao, to lead an NGO dedicated to helping young people avoid drugs, improve their mental health, and realize their potential.
Derrick Chitala
Friend, MWASA
Ivy is an emerging mental health professional currently pursuing a degree in Psychology and Counselling. With a diploma in Counselling Psychology, she actively supports individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use issues, and emotional distress. Through counseling, psychoeducation, and community outreach, she works to reduce stigma and promote accessible mental health support for all.
Ivy Charo
Friend, MWASA ​
Marsden is an AI and software engineer with a strong passion for supporting mental health and substance abuse initiatives. Leveraging expertise in technology and data systems, they are dedicated to developing innovative digital solutions to enhance outreach, support access to care, and contribute to the prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.
Marsden Abucheri
Friend, MWASA
I'm Abi, a UK-qualified social worker with 10 years of experience, primarily in mental health. My expertise includes working with learning disabilities, forensic settings, and substance misuse. I am passionate about promoting recovery-focused, empathetic care that fosters independence and actively works to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.
Abi
MWASA Volunteer Trainer
Dedicated professional with a BA in Economics with a focus on Women’s Studies and Social Sciences, bringing over 15 years of experience across diverse social work settings. Skilled in supporting individuals within substance misuse services in a women’s prison, delivering domestic abuse support, and providing care within learning disability, autism, and mental health social work environments. Demonstrates a strong commitment to empowering vulnerable populations and promoting positive, sustainable outcomes.
Abir Hashem
MWASA Volunteer Trainer

Join Our Team: Become a MWASA Volunteer

Make a Difference in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery

At MWASA, we believe that healing happens through community, compassion, and collective action. We are looking for dedicated volunteers who are passionate about supporting mental wellness and empowering individuals and families affected by substance abuse.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply Now/Contact Us to Learn More