About Us | Utafiti Wellness Research Association

Who We Are

Utafiti Wellness Research Association is a pioneering Kenyan-based registered organization founded in 2025 with a distinctive mission: to bridge the critical gap between scientific health research and tangible community well-being. The name "Utafiti" (Swahili for "research") embodies our core philosophy - transforming evidence into action.

We operate at the unique intersection of academia, public health practice, and community development, serving as a vital conduit that translates complex research findings into practical, culturally appropriate interventions that directly improve health outcomes across Kenyan communities.

Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in public health research, community mobilization, program implementation, and health innovation to create sustainable solutions that address Kenya's most pressing health challenges.

Utafiti team working with community members

Our Story

Founded by Mr. Haroun Shiundu, Utafiti Wellness was born from a profound observation: while Kenya produces valuable health research, much of it remains confined to academic journals, failing to reach the communities that need it most. This "research-to-practice gap" inspired the creation of an organization dedicated to making evidence work for people.

Starting with grassroots initiatives in Kakamega County, we've grown to become a respected voice in community health transformation, expanding our reach to multiple counties while maintaining our commitment to evidence-based, community-centered approaches.

Today, we stand as a bridge between researchers, policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities - ensuring that health innovation benefits everyone, especially the most vulnerable populations.

Our Core Values

The principles that guide every aspect of our work and decision-making

Evidence-Based Practice

All our programs and interventions are grounded in rigorous research and scientific evidence, ensuring effectiveness and measurable impact.

Community-Centered

We believe sustainable change comes from within communities. We work with, not for, communities, respecting local knowledge and traditions.

Collaborative Excellence

We foster strategic partnerships across sectors, recognizing that complex health challenges require collective, multidisciplinary solutions.

Innovation & Adaptation

We continuously seek creative, culturally appropriate solutions and adapt our approaches based on learning and changing community needs.

Equity & Inclusion

We prioritize reaching the most vulnerable and marginalized populations, working to reduce health disparities across all communities.

Transparency & Accountability

We maintain the highest standards of integrity, transparent reporting, and accountability to our communities, partners, and supporters.

Our Unique Approach

How we translate research into meaningful community impact

1

Evidence Identification

We systematically review and identify relevant health research from Kenyan and global sources, focusing on studies with practical application potential for local communities.

2

Cultural Adaptation

Research findings are carefully adapted to respect and incorporate local cultural practices, beliefs, and resource availability, ensuring relevance and acceptance.

3

Community Co-Design

We engage community members in designing interventions, ensuring programs address real needs and leverage local strengths and knowledge systems.

4

Implementation & Monitoring

Programs are implemented with continuous monitoring and community feedback loops, allowing for real-time adjustments and improvements.

5

Evaluation & Learning

Rigorous evaluation generates new evidence, creating a virtuous cycle of learning and improvement that informs future interventions.

Join Our Journey

Discover how our vision and mission guide our work to transform community health in Kenya.

Explore Our Mission & Vision

UTAFITI WELLNESS RESEARCH ASSOCIATION

About Utafiti Wellness