The seed of ZanaAfrica was planted in 2002 when Founder Megan Mukuria was working with former street children and found that sanitary pads were their #2 biggest expense after bread. Through late night conversations with these children about health, safety and relationships, she realized how hard it was for teens to get simple and honest answers to these vital questions. This was a fundamental child protection issue that no one was addressing so she dedicated her life to solving it.

Since that time, our mandate has expanded as our adolescents from 20 years ago have grown up and additional needs for safeguarding and gender equity have become clear. We now seek to fulfill a greater need by supporting people across their life and caregiving journey: as a trusted partner for health products, as an educational support provider for new parents, rising young adults, and caregivers, and as a resource to governments seeking to strengthen our nation. The purpose is the same: safe transition through some of life’s most significant stages.