Our Beginning
WEMIHS is a registered Kenyan NGO (#OP-218/051/0041/1472) with its head quarter in Thika, Kiambu County.
WEMIHS was established in 1998 by dedicated women who used their own resources to fund programming at a time when there were no structured responses to HIV/AIDS at the community level. At that time HIV/AIDS was only starting to be discussed publicly and those infected were highly stigmatized and marginalized. Thus the founders initially focused on increasing acceptance of those affected and on prevention through information and education in affected communities. A lot of WEMIHS early work depended on community philanthropy and goodwill, together with some support from the private sector.
Our Approach
WEMIHS approch evolved organically, applying lessons learned and incorporating issues arising from the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It was through home-based care visits, for example, that it became clear that children were especially affected by the epidemic. Many were caring for terminally ill parents even at a young age, and many were orphans. Consequently, issues of children became central to WEMIHS’ approach.
Advocacy & Collaboration
Amid a surge in donor funding entering the country, WEMIHS shifted its focus toward empowering communities by facilitating proposal development and advocating for policy change. The organization embraced an intermediary role, collaborating with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to build their capacity in supporting ultra-poor households. Through this strategy, WEMIHS worked to organize communities for collective action and to advocate for improved service delivery.
Our Strategic Focus
WEMIHS continues to drive grassroot impact through the following key outcomes:
Empowering Marginalized Groups
Supporting marginalized and vulnerable groups (women, children, and youth (both boys and girls)—to gain access to essential rights, including food, healthcare, education, skills development, safeguarding, and protection.
Strengthening Local Collaboration
Fostering stronger partnerships and coordinated responses among grassroots actors, county governments, and service providers at the community level.
Building Organizational Resilience
A robust organization supported by a diverse network of partners.
Our Vision
WEMIHS envisions becoming a self-reliant, leading organization dedicated to building the capacity of communities and institutions to address the challenges posed by disease, poverty, and climate change.
Our Mission
To deliver child-focused, family-centered, and community-driven interventions by building on lessons learned from HIV/AIDS initiatives, fostering resilience, and empowering communities for sustainable change.
Meet Our Founders
Discover the inspiring women whose vision and dedication led to the birth of WEMIHS.
Wairimu Mungai
Founder & Director
Wairimu has been instrumental in shaping WEMIHS, serving not only as its Founder but also as a dedicated Technical Advisor driving its transformational agenda. Her extensive experience as a capacity-building program manager and coordinator for multi-donor-funded initiatives has significantly contributed to WEMIHS' growth, establishing it as a trusted partner in fostering positive change in resource poor communities.
Florence Githiori
Co-founder
Florence's contributions, both during the establishment of WEMIHS and as a dedicated volunteer, have been greatly appreciated. She brought a wealth of expertise to the organization as a former principal of the School of Nursing in Thika and as a lead consultant for USAID reproductive health programs across Eastern Africa.
Esther Gatua
Co-founder
Esther played a pivotal role in the establishment and governance of WEMIHS, offering invaluable contributions. She brought a wealth of experience from her background as a former senior nurse administrator in a government hospital and as a Program Manager for HIV/AIDS advocacy and policy programs across Africa.
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