About Us
How We Got Started
Our story begins in 2009 when Teresa Njoroge’s life took an unexpected turn when she was falsely accused, maliciously prosecuted, and sentenced for a crime she didn’t commit. She served a one-year sentence at Langata Women Maximum Security Prison in Nairobi, accompanied by her then three-month-old daughter.
In prison, she witnessed the plight of imprisoned women and their children, who were crying out for justice. Teresa later became aware of the high rates of recidivism, where released women found themselves behind prison bars again.
Despite being exonerated and compensated by the government, Teresa was inspired to devote her life to empowering and equipping imprisoned and formerly imprisoned women for reintegration into society. In 2015, she founded Clean Start, the first formerly imprisoned women-led organization in Kenya, to advocate for the rights of children of imprisoned parents, youth, and women impacted by the criminal justice system, mostly due to the criminalization of poverty. Teresa’s encounters with formerly imprisoned women further motivated her to steer social-economic transformation and social justice reforms in Kenya and across the African continent.
Our Vision
Reimagining Justice for Good Globally
Our Mission
Clean Start Africa works with women, girls, and children impacted by the criminal justice system to restore dignity and hope for successful reintegration into society.
Awards and Recognition
H.E Former President Uhuru Kenyatta
In recognition of our efforts in Reforms and Reintegration of the imprisoned and the formerly imprisoned women in Kenya.
National Diversity and Inclusion Awards & Recognition
In recognition of individuals and organizations promoting diversity and inclusion through programs and initiatives that promote human rights.
Kayana and UK-tech Hub
We won in the Strong Leadership category to celebrate the outstanding achievements of female-owned MSMEs in Kenya, honouring the resilience and adaptability.
Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum
We are finalists in the Empowerment Award category in the AWIEF Awards which recognize, honour, and celebrate women entrepreneurs and business owners in Africa
Join The Movement
Help us have an even bigger impact on the women, girls and children.