Taking Care of Ourselves,
Our Communities
and Our Spaces
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Made for CREATIVES
by creatives.
Tujali is a practice-based research project on mental health and wellbeing in Kenya's creative industries, asking: how do we take care of ourselves, our communities, and our spaces?
Across Kenya, mental health and wellbeing challenges for young people are rising.
These pressures are acutely felt across the creative sector.
Built by creatives for creatives, we co-created practical tools on wellbeing, care and safety for artists, cultural workers, and organisations across Nairobi.
Karibu Tujali.
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RESOURCES
Free, practical and simple tools for creatives, cultural workers and organisations to take care of themselves, their communities and spaces. They are a starting point, not a substitute for clinical or professional care. Take what you need, share with others and leave the rest.
Practical Tools For Creatives
Being a creative in Nairobi is not easy. The hustle is real, and taking care of yourself often gets pushed to the bottom of the list.
These are practical tools for your body, your mind, your heart. Not a cure. Not therapy. Just honest ideas, audios and exercises that have helped us, your community, when we've been finding things tough…
Practical Tools For CULTURAL WORKERS
Nairobi's creative community thrives thanks to people like you. You show up for others, even when you’re struggling yourself.
These are practical tools focused on the pressures cultural workers face, the invisible care work such as holding space, managing others and absorbing pressure that often goes unrecognised and unsupported.
Practical Tools for Arts Organisations, Festivals and Venues
Being a creative in Nairobi is not easy. The hustle is real, and taking care of yourself often gets pushed to the bottom of the list.
These are practical tools for your body, your mind, your heart. Not a cure. Not therapy. Just honest ideas, audios and exercises that have helped us, your community, when we've been finding things tough…
ARTIST COMMISSIONS
We commissioned three creatives to develop new art-works exploring: what does Tujali — taking care — mean to you?
This was an open call to Nairobi-based creatives, which is now closed. We will share the final artworks here soon!
MEET THE ARTISTS
KRWR
MULTIDISPLINARY
Sura, a series of hand-forged masks paired with a looping sound composition, fusing his jewellery practice (Johari Za Eya) with his sonic work.
Ed Wainaina
VISUALS
A short animated work exploring creative wellbeing.
Ondieki
SOUND
Audio director and founder of @soundworksafrica, creating a live wellness podcast experience.
WORKSHOPS FOR CULTURAL WORKERS
We ran a three day workshop for cultural workers, testing the resources and helping Tujali take root in Kenya’s spaces and communities long after the project ends.
Photo credit: Victoria Kamu
COLLABORATORS
Tujali is led by Dr. Poppy Spowage, in partnership with Santuri East Africa, and supported by a British Academy Global Innovation Fellowship.
This is a practice-based research project and all resources have been co-created with Mwangi Nderitu/Duara Wellness, Michelle Ndebele/Daré Renhanga, Wambui Kinyua/Sisi Wellness, and Furaha Ruguru/LaMusicJunkie, with support from People’s Palace Projects and Santuri East Africa. This was alongside a wider community of artists including Labdi and Lulu Kitololo, cultural workers and organisations who shaped this work through sharing their artwork and ideas, as well as contributing to focus groups, panels at Kilele Summit 2026, and ongoing testing.
Tujali was launched in partnership with Zahabu Culture Garden.
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CONTACT US
Have a question, want to get involved, or want to bring Tujali to your own space or community?
Get in touch: tujali@mesh-works.org
Tujali offers practical tools for everyday wellbeing. It is not a crisis service or a substitute for professional mental health support. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please reach out to a local mental health professional or support line. We’ve put together a list of affordable and free options here.