ABOUT US

Who We Are

Utafiti Wellness Research Association (UWRA) is a Kenyan non‑profit organisation dedicated to translating evidence into community action. We bridge the gap between research and real‑world impact.

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OUR STORY

From vision to impact

Utafiti Wellness was founded on a simple but powerful belief: research that stays in journals cannot improve lives. We exist to ensure that evidence reaches the people, policymakers, and practitioners who need it most.

UWRA was established in 2025 by a group of Kenyan researchers, public health practitioners, and community advocates who shared a frustration: too much valuable research was never translated into action. Millions of shillings were being invested in studies that produced findings, but those findings were not reaching the communities and decision‑makers who could use them.

We set out to change that. Our name — Utafiti, the Swahili word for research — reflects our commitment to grounding our work in evidence. Wellness represents our ultimate goal: healthier communities, thriving families, and stronger systems.

Today, UWRA works across Kenya, partnering with governments, universities, community organisations, and international collaborators to translate evidence into policy, practice, and community benefit.

We exist to ensure that evidence becomes action — not just another report on a shelf.
— UWRA Founding Statement

Our roots

Kenyan Communities · Serving communities across the country · Growing with partners and supporters.

Our journey so far

2025

UWRA is founded

A group of researchers and practitioners come together to address the research‑to‑action gap in Kenya.

2025

First community engagement

We launched our first community‑based project in a rural county, co‑designing health interventions with local leaders.

2026

Fellowship programme launches

Our first cohort of research fellows began their training, marking the start of our capacity building work.

2026

Policy influence recognised

Our evidence contributed to shaping national health policies in maternal and child health.

2026

Expanding impact

We have reached thousands of community members and established partnerships across multiple counties.

OUR GUIDING FRAMEWORK

Mission, Vision & Values

Everything we do is guided by a clear purpose and a set of principles that keep us grounded and accountable.

Our Mission

To translate rigorous evidence into actionable solutions that strengthen health systems, empower communities, and shape policy in Kenya.

  • Conduct and synthesise research that addresses real‑world challenges
  • Build capacity for evidence‑informed decision‑making
  • Advocate for policies that are grounded in community realities

Our Vision

A Kenya where every community benefits from evidence‑based health policies, innovations, and services that are co‑created and locally owned.

  • Health equity for all, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status
  • Research that is responsive to community needs and priorities
  • A thriving ecosystem of evidence‑driven practice and policy

Our Values

  • Integrity: We are honest, transparent, and accountable in all we do.
  • Community: We centre communities in every decision and action.
  • Excellence: We pursue the highest standards in research and practice.
  • Equity: We work to reduce health and social disparities.
  • Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnerships.
WHAT WE DO

How we work

We operate at the intersection of research, policy, practice, and community. Our work is organised around four interconnected pillars.

Research Translation

We move evidence from journals into decisions, policies, and community practice through synthesis, dissemination, and engagement.

Innovation

We co‑design and test solutions that address real‑world health challenges, working alongside communities and partners.

Policy Engagement

We connect research with policymakers to inform strategies, budgets, and legislation that improve health outcomes.

Capacity Building

We invest in training, mentorship, and professional development to build a strong research and practice ecosystem.

OUR IMPACT

What we have achieved together

Since 2025, we have been working alongside communities and partners to translate evidence into tangible results.

50+ Research Translation leaders trained
28+ Community engagements
5,200+ People reached directly
5 Counties with active work
12+ Partners
2 Research Translation & Innovation Fellowship cohorts
PARTNERS

Who we work with

We believe in the power of collaboration. Our work is made possible by the support and partnership of organisations across sectors.

County Governments (5 counties)
Universities
Think Tanks
Tech Hubs
Community Health Networks (20+)
International NGOs
Private sector partners

Interested in partnering with us? Let's talk →

WHY UWRA

Why choose UWRA?

We are a trusted partner for governments, funders, communities, and academic institutions. Here is what sets us apart.

Evidence‑driven

We ground every decision and recommendation in rigorous research and local data. We do not guess — we know.

Community‑centred

We work alongside communities, not on top of them. Our solutions are co‑created, culturally appropriate, and locally owned.

Trusted partner

We have built strong relationships with governments, universities, and international organisations. We deliver on our promises.

Implementation science

We do not just study problems — we test solutions in real‑world settings and learn what works, for whom, and under what conditions.

Action‑oriented

We are not satisfied with publications alone. We measure our success by the changes we help bring about in communities and systems.

Ethical and accountable

We adhere to the highest ethical standards and are accountable to the communities and partners we serve.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Be part of the change

Whether you are a researcher, a community leader, a policymaker, or a philanthropist — there is a place for you in the UWRA community. Together, we can ensure that evidence reaches those who need it most.

Partner with us Get in touch Support our work