About the Event
On the warm afternoon of July 26, 2025, we welcomed over 60 energetic young people to Banja Mtaani: Routines for Resilience in Nairobi. From the get go, the energy was electric as Edwin kicked things off with a fun, high energy warmup that had everyone laughing, moving, and shaking off the day. Precious then slowed things down with a calming body scan meditation, helping us connect with our breath and find a moment of stillness. Next up, Laurette guided us through building our own bedtime routines, simple and doable steps like turning off screens or sipping tea that we could try that very night. We shared ideas, compared notes, and encouraged each other. Naomi then opened the floor for a relaxed baraza style conversation where everyone from youth leaders to therapists swapped real stories of the small habits that bring calm and balance to their lives. As snacks rolled in and conversations flowed, new friendships were sparked and peer support pods formed. By the time we wrapped up with closing words from E.M. Gitau and an exciting announcement about upcoming training, it was clear this wasn’t just another event. It was a movement in the making. Over 80 percent of attendees committed to trying a new habit, and together, we started something powerful, a ripple of resilience, one routine at a time.
Why this topic?
Kenya is in a defining moment as a powerful youth-led social and political movement rises in response to widespread frustration with corruption, inequality, and lack of accountability. Tragically, many young lives have already been lost in the fight for justice, which underscores just how high the stakes are. At the same time, young people are facing a silent crisis with rising mental health challenges fueled by unemployment, systemic pressure, and limited access to support. In this context, conversations about Routines for Resilience are not just relevant, they are essential. As youth continue to demand a better Kenya, they also need practical tools to care for their mental wellbeing and sustain their strength for the journey ahead. Simple and intentional practices such as mindfulness, movement, creative expression, and community connection can help them manage stress and regain a sense of control. If we are truly committed to building a more just and hopeful future, we must invest in both the inner resilience and the collective power of our young people.
Meet our Panelists
Precious Wangu is a life coach and founder of Mindful Community, creating transformative wellness spaces for healing and self-awareness. Her work empowers individuals to grow with intention, connect deeply, and live more consciously.
Charlotte Okot is a Kenyan occupational therapist and Program Manager at Necessio Wellness Community. She founded “Zaidi ya Mama” to empower women in wheelchairs and promotes inclusive mental health through therapy, coaching, and digital content.
Edwin Api Masale is a community organizer with KYEC, dedicated to addressing grassroots challenges through collective action. He is also a mental wellness fitness coach, mentor, and volunteer, committed to strengthening youth resilience and leadership in Kasarani
Free Resources
The I‑C‑E Toolkit directly supports the Routines for Resilience approach by offering a simple, structured way for young people to build and maintain healthy habits that strengthen their mental and emotional well-being. In a time when many Kenyan youth are navigating heightened stress, uncertainty, and socio-political unrest, the ability to anchor daily life in small, consistent practices like mindful movement, reflection, and digital pauses becomes essential. By encouraging users to integrate these habits, cultivate consistency, and elevate their mindset through moments of recognition and reward, the toolkit aligns with the broader goal of Routines for Resilience—creating a foundation for sustainable wellness and empowering young people to take agency over their healing, growth, and daily rhythm.
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