mental health blogger | researcher

Sitawa Wafula is a mental health blogger, researcher, and founder of pioneering mental health social enterprise in Africa that established and ran Kenya’s first free mental health support line. Her research stems from this innovation, which aimed to bridge the mental health workforce gap, and currently examines service provision through the lens of migration, addiction, loneliness and social isolation, and the emerging role of AI. (Follow her on X to read her field notes.) 

Her public-facing work began in 2010 with a personal blog that shared her experiences living with a mental health diagnosis, earning recognition with a Google Africa Connected Award (2014). Through storytelling, advocacy, and public engagement, Sitawa has helped thousands across the continent access mental health information and support.

Under her leadership, MMMF:

• Reached over 11,000 people in its first year via the 22214 SMS support line.

• Hosted awareness events in schools, workplaces, and religious spaces.

• Ran the “Akili ni Mali” (Mind is Wealth) storytelling tour across Kenya and Nigeria.

• Launched a seasonal podcast to normalize conversations around mental health.

• Piloted a mental health academy, mentoring 30 champions from 8 African countries.

Her contributions earned recognition in Kenya and internationally, including awards from BET, Aspen Global Innovators (Senior Fellow), Google, and designation as a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Champion by the Kenya Ministry of Health. She has also served on national policy committees, including the Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015–2030) committee, the national mental healthcare audit forum, and the National Epilepsy Coordination Committee.

A seasoned storyteller and public speaker, Sitawa has presented at TED Global Ideas Search, Aspen Ideas Festival, The MOTH, and the UN General Assembly, and her writings have appeared globally.

After more than a decade on the frontlines, Sitawa took a sabbatical to reclaim her own rhythm and resume her academic journey. Today, she maintains mymindmyfunk.org, while enjoying football (COYG), experimenting with recipes, and catching up on TV.

I envision a world where Africans have access to proper mental health information and receive appropriate support wherever they are.

~ Sitawa Wafula, MMMF Founder