Marlene Kawira Kinyua

Marl is a bold and visionary feminist leader who uses creativity as both a tool for healing and a strategy for social transformation. As the founder of Afrikala Art, she leads a dynamic movement that champions mental health, youth empowerment and social justice through art therapy, storytelling and community-driven action. Her work centres young people, women and creatives from under-resourced communities, creating spaces where expression becomes advocacy and care becomes collective power. With a deep belief in the transformative and healing power of art, Marl has pioneered mental health initiatives, public podcasts and is currently working on co-creating creative hubs that aim to foster dignity, connection, sustainable growth and visibility.

Marl is also the founder of Hello MEARL, a consultancy that decolonises Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Research and Learning (MEARL) for grassroots and small development organisations. Through feminist methodologies and innovative reporting tools, she helps organisations amplify impact, centre lived experiences and build systems that are as inclusive as they are effective.