Our Grassroots Beginning: The Power of Community
Thrive Community is a Kenya-based support and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with autoimmune conditions and their caregivers. Born out of a simple but powerful idea in 2021, we started as a small WhatsApp peer support group of patients seeking connection and information. Founded by patients, Thrive has rapidly grown into a vibrant network addressing critical gaps in awareness, care, and policy.
Our Scope
While our movement began around Lupus, our commitment is to the estimated 200+ autoimmune conditions that are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed across Kenya and Africa. We are built to expand our reach and support to all autoimmune warriors.
Our Vision
A world where individuals with chronic autoimmune conditions are empowered to live fulfilling, healthy lives, supported by a compassionate community that promotes awareness, mental well-being, and resilience.
Our Mission
To empower resilience in individuals with chronic autoimmune conditions by fostering awareness in public, corporate, and educational spaces; supporting mental health and caregiving through community programs; and strategically reducing the financial burden of treatment.
Ending the Stigma: We are committed to bridging the knowledge gap through community education, media engagement, public events, and storytelling campaigns. Our goal is to promote understanding in the general public, and specifically to create autoimmune-friendly schools and workplaces.
Healing Beyond the Physical: Living with chronic illness takes a deep emotional and psychological toll. We integrate mental health into everything we do, partnering with licensed therapists and wellness organizations to offer support groups, expressive art therapy, and dedicated community circles for warriors and caregivers.
Cost Relief & Financial Resilience: The cost of managing chronic illness is high and largely out-of-pocket. We create pathways to reduce this burden by negotiating treatment costs, facilitating subsidized medication, supporting warrior-led micro-enterprises, and linking patients with skill-building opportunities.
Amplifying the Warrior Voice: Thrive serves as an active voice in the national health discourse. We advocate for increased investment in autoimmune care, the availability of rheumatologists, and the recognition of autoimmune diseases under disability frameworks to secure legal protections and policy inclusion.
Supporting the Support System: We build specific programs to include and empower caregivers. This includes wellness resources, community circles, and capacity-building sessions. We also conduct Welfare Visits to homes and hospitals to reinforce our belief that no one walks this journey alone.
The People Behind Thrive: Governance & Expertise
Thrive Community is led by passionate warriors and dedicated allies, ensuring our work remains authentic, impactful, and rooted in the lived experience of our community.
Natasha Muloko
Co-Founder and Lupus Warrior
Events and Programs
Joy Ng'etich
Founder and Lupus Warrior
Partnerships & Engagement
Mikeson Mugo
Co-Founder
Autoimmune Advocacy
The Steering Committee
Responsible for overseeing the organization’s strategy, accountability, and financial integrity. Our six members bring diverse expertise in Public Health, Finance, Legal Aid, and Communication to guide our mission.
Caroline Kagwiria
Steering Committee Member
Wilma Akello
Steering Committee Member
Lornah Njambi
Steering Committee Member
Loise Kagendo
Steering Committee Member
Newton Mwangi
Steering Committee Member
Sandra Oloo Ndisi
Steering Committee Member