I lead with purpose, guided by a deep commitment to mental wellness, child protection, and the dignity of every individual. Through Nafasi Yangu Africa, I work to create safe spaces, empower vulnerable communities, and raise a generation that is emotionally resilient, self-aware, and equipped to thrive.
Janet Irungu is a social impact leader, safeguarding advocate, and founder of Nafasi Yangu Africa, a social enterprise committed to creating opportunities for vulnerable women, children, and youth across Africa. She is deeply committed to advancing child protection and safeguarding through effective policy development and review, ensuring that the best interests of every child are upheld in all systems, programs, and decisions.
She also serves as a child protection practitioner and Lead Consultant for Children and Youth at Clean Start Africa, where she provides technical leadership in child safeguarding, psychosocial support programming, youth empowerment, and community-based reintegration initiatives for justice-affected families.
Janet is a certified mental health practitioner through the Nivishe Fellowship Foundation, bringing specialized expertise in trauma-informed care and a genuine passion for community-centered healing. She believes that the most meaningful mental health work happens close to the ground — within the families, schools, and neighborhoods where people actually live.
Her interests span a wide range of disciplines, including neuroscience, human behavior, and child development, and she is committed to grounding her practice in the latest evidence. For Janet, research isn’t just academic — it’s a compass that helps direct resources, shape programs, and build the kinds of systems that can truly hold vulnerable children and families well. She is driven by the belief that every child deserves not just access to care, but access to systems that see them, understand them, and are built with their flourishing in mind.
with state department of children services and other implementing partners.
Lead consultant for children and Youth at Clean Start Africa.
is a qualified Clinical Psychologist with experience in providing trauma-informed psychological care across diverse settings. Her work focuses on supporting individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, stress, and life transitions, with an emphasis on fostering emotional healing, resilience, and self-understanding.
She works with the Alpha New Beginnings Foundation, where she plays a key role in delivering accessible mental health services within the community. Through this work, Absaki engages individuals, families, and groups in both clinical and outreach settings, including correctional facilities, schools, corporates, and community programs.
She has practical experience facilitating both individual and group sessions, creating safe and supportive environments where clients can openly explore their experiences and begin the process of healing. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based psychological practices and is guided by empathy, cultural awareness, and a deep respect for each individual’s lived experience.
Absaki is particularly passionate about working with vulnerable and underserved populations, contributing to efforts that expand access to mental health care while addressing stigma within communities.
In addition to her therapeutic work, she is actively involved in mental health education and advocacy, delivering talks and programs that promote awareness, emotional well-being, and practical coping strategies for everyday life.
