Miriam's extensive career in the justice system includes her role as Country Director at Justice Defenders, where she led the organization's expansion, rebranding, and significant impact growth. Under her leadership, the program grew from 8 to 19 legal offices, served and released more prisoners, and achieved a 99% pass rate for University of London LLB students. Her strategic oversight also resulted in a 50% increase in program funding and multiple international awards.

Her expertise in program management, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement has been demonstrated through her successful tenures at various organizations, including FIDA-KENYA, THE CRADLE- the Children Foundation, Pendekezo Letu, and GOAL Kenya. 
She has a proven track record of managing and motivating diverse teams, securing funding, and driving advocacy initiatives.      Miriam's professional qualifications are complemented by her certifications in mediation and corporate governance.

She is committed to promoting justice and human rights, with a focus on serving marginalized communities and fostering systemic change. At Justice Nest, Miriam continues to leverage her strengths in strategic leadership, program development, and partnership building to advance the organization's mission and impact. Her dedication to justice and human rights, combined with her strategic and operational expertise, makes her a vital asset to Justice Nest and its mission to serve most marginalized community.

Kaddebe has worked within the criminal justice system for more than a decade, having joined the Kenyan prosecution office [Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (Kenya) - ODPP] as a public prosecutor in 2012. As a prosecutor Mr. Kaddebe encountered first-hand the challenges and issues surrounding juveniles within the criminal justice system, some of which persist to date. During his stint as a prosecutor, he has learnt and been a part of conversations and action plans that deliberately seek to have both state and non-state actors sit and work together to obtain and deliver a specific objective.

 To this end, and in celebration of some of his achievements, Mr. Kaddebe was part of the team that prepared the ODPPs Diversion Policy and Guidelines as well as ODPP Plea Bargaining Guidelines, which, inter alia bring into effect the Constitutional and statutory obligation to keep juveniles away from penal institutions and/or incarceration. 

Kaddebe was a focal person, trainer and champion on alternatives to incarceration not only for juveniles but also individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder primarily along the Kenyan coastal region. Additionally, Mr. Kaddebe is a certified National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA - USA) trainer and has over time trained on Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Counter Terrorism, Wildlife Crimes and other forms of transnational organized crime.

Mr. Kaddebe most recently was the Legal Practice Manager at Justice Defenders; a US, UK and Kenyan registered not for profit, whose primary focus is defending the defenseless within the criminal justice system, working predominantly with inmates within prison facilities to have them better prepared to defend themselves and navigate the criminal justice system with ease.

He is passionate about tangible reforms within the criminal justice system and a holistic approach that is offender centric and focuses on restorative justice as opposed to a straitjacket approach that is offence centric leaning towards retributive justice.

Coming Soon…

Mirriam Wachira is a seasoned Human Resource Professional with over 7 years of experience in various industries including Manufacturing and Microfinance. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Human Resources and is a registered member of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM). 

Mirriam has a strong track record in managing the end-to-end human resources processes including strategic areas like organizational development and design, where she has been instrumental in structuring organizations, developing and implementing HR policies and procedures, and crafting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with business objectives. Her expertise extends to performance management, where she works closely with management teams to conduct training needs analysis and implement learning and development programs. 

She is also skilled in management coaching, employee relations, and the identification and adoption of HR systems. In addition to her technical expertise, Mirriam is passionate about employee welfare and compensation strategies including ensuring that organizations not only meet their strategic goals but also foster a positive and supportive work environment. 

Her life philosophy is encapsulated in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: 

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

With a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration (Accounting, Magna Cum Laude) and a strong academic foundation in computer information systems and management, Beth Gathirimu combines technical knowledge with creative problem-solving to deliver impactful results. Their multilingual abilities—fluent in English, Kiswahili, and Kikuyu, with intermediate proficiency in Mandarin and German—enable them to connect with diverse audiences and stakeholders. 

At Justice Nest, Beth Gathirimu plays a dual role as a Communication Specialist and Grants Researcher, driving the organization’s mission forward through strategic visibility and sustainable funding. As a Communication Specialist, Beth develops and executes comprehensive communication strategies that amplify Justice Nest’s voice, manage social media platforms, and create impactful content to engage stakeholders and raise awareness about the organization’s work.

In their role as a Grants Researcher, Beth is instrumental in securing vital funding by identifying and pursuing grant opportunities that align with Justice Nest’s goals. Beth also plays a key role in running campaigns, leveraging their communication expertise to design and execute initiatives that mobilize support, inspire action, and drive meaningful change.

Together, these roles enable Beth to bridge the gap between storytelling and sustainability, ensuring Justice Nest’s message reaches the right audiences while securing the funding necessary to make a lasting impact.

Before joining Justice Nest, Beth Gathirimu founded and managed two businesses—Outright Host, a web hosting and digital marketing venture, and Avennd Boutique, an ecommerce platform. Their entrepreneurial spirit and ability to leverage digital tools drove significant growth, including an increase in client web traffic and  boosting conversion rates.

Beth Gathirimu’s professional journey also includes impactful roles in financial advisory, customer relationship management, and international education consulting. At a Microfinance Bank, they reduced portfolio risk by 15% and achieved top sales performance, while at an International Education Consultanting agency, they streamlined visa processing for clients, directed scholarship guidance, securing funding for some of the clients, and spearheading marketing strategies that grew client inquiries by 25%.

Committed to continuous learning, Beth Gathirimu is currently pursuing certifications in Data Analysis and Project Management through edX. Their dedication to excellence, coupled with their ability to lead teams and optimize processes, makes them an invaluable asset to Justice Nest.

Outside of work, Beth Gathirimu is passionate about community service and has volunteered with organizations focused on gender equity and children’s wellness. Their diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to making a difference reflect their belief in the power of collaboration and innovation to drive positive change.

“I am inspired by Justice Nest’s mission to create a more just and equitable world. It’s an honor to contribute my skills and experiences to amplify our impact and support the communities we serve.” – Beth Gathirimu

As part of her career journey, she has held various leadership roles with organizations in different industries including education, humanitarian, financial sector and agribusiness holding various positions including Administration Officer, HR Manager, HR Business Partner, Senior Manager-HR Shared Services, HR & Safeguarding Lead, Monitoring and Evaluation Support and Chief Operating Officer. 

With her background in Monitoring & Evaluation, Law and having been instrumental in ensuring Compliance and Strategic Plan implementation within organizations and in streamlining employment matters in line with the Labour Laws and other legal regulations including Occupational Safety and Health matters. Besides, Verah has proven experience as a Risk Champion having supported organizations in developing and designing a Risk Management Framework including Environmental, Social and Governance System (ESG). 

Verah Olweya is a Strategic Leadership and Human Resources Consultant having supported various organizations in consultancy assignments including Change Management, Organizational Design and Development, Staff Rationalization, developing and review of Human Resource Policies, development and implementation of both Strategic Plan and Human Resources Strategies, Job Evaluation, Salary Structure and Surveys. 

Verah is a Certified Professional Coach with Coach Masters Academy and a Member of International Coaching Federation. She is also a Certified Monitoring & Evaluation Professional, Certified HR Auditor, Certified Pension Trustee, Certified Lean Six Sigma (Yellow Belt), ISO Champion Certified (9001:2015 Quality Management Systems), Corporate Governance and a Member of St. John Ambulance. 

Verah is an HR Award Winner Finalist and has contributed immensely to various articles in leadership, management, monitoring & evaluation and HR strategic issues. Verah holds an MBA in Human Capital Management, Degree in Business Administration, Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, Certified Human Resource Professional, Certified Secretaries (Advanced Level) and Diploma in Law including other professional certifications.

Marie Michelle has also volunteered with the Kenya Red Cross Society – Karen-Lang’ata Branch, where she acquired Occupational First Aid training and played a key role in team collaboration. Together with a vibrant team of volunteers, their efforts contributed to the successful launch of a pilot program: Children’s Mentorship Program, which provided life skills training, fun activities, and educational support to children within the community. 

In addition to her work in social services, Marie Michelle has actively participated in research and data collection initiatives. She has served as a research assistant and team lead on various projects, most recently contributing to a study on environmental protection, conservation, and management initiatives among women in Voi Sub-County, Taita Taveta County, Kenya, led by Dr. Catherine Binelli (PhD). 

At Justice Nest, Marie Michelle works closely with a team of advocates to provide comprehensive support to clients. Her role goes beyond pro bono legal aid, she ensures that the underlying social challenges affecting mothers and children are addressed, fostering long-term solutions and sustainable change. Her passion for social justice and dedication to empowering clients make her an invaluable asset to the Justice Nest team. Marie Michelle believes that every day presents an opportunity for growth; for both herself and the clients she serves.

Asha Saidi holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, where she graduated with Second-Class Honors, and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law. Her academic background laid a solid foundation in legal principles, equipping her with the analytical and research skills essential for crafting compelling legal arguments and navigating complex cases.

Inspired by the desire to advocate for those who might otherwise be overlooked or wrongly accused, Asha has dedicated her career to criminal litigation. She currently serves as an Associate in the Litigation Department at Kisiwa Koja & Company Advocates, where she represents clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including assault, rape, and defilement cases. Her work extends beyond the courtroom, as she actively provides legal counsel, conducts client interviews, and drafts pleadings with precision and care.

One of Asha’s most significant accomplishments to date was securing the release of six remandees who had spent between eight months to a year in prison. This experience reinforced her belief in the transformative power of justice and the importance of accessible legal representation. She is a strong advocate for restorative justice and is deeply committed to providing pro bono services and legal aid to indigent clients, ensuring that socio-economic barriers do not prevent individuals from accessing justice.

Asha’s approach to the legal profession is characterized by her strong analytical skills, adaptability, and unwavering passion for justice. She thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments and is adept at building trust with clients, offering both legal expertise and emotional support during challenging times. Her ability to communicate complex legal concepts in simple terms ensures that her clients are well-informed and empowered throughout the legal process.

Beyond her professional achievements, Asha is a creative and dynamic individual who enjoys cooking as a way to unwind and explore different cuisines. She also finds joy in creating content on TikTok, where she engages with a community of like-minded individuals. Balancing the demands of her profession with personal life is a priority for Asha, and she achieves this through effective time management and setting clear boundaries.

Looking ahead, Asha Saidi envisions herself making significant strides in criminal litigation, building a solid reputation for excellence, and advocating for initiatives that make legal services more accessible to all. She believes that every case is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Halima has always been driven by a desire to empower inmates with legal knowledge. "Many women in prison cannot afford lawyers," she shares. "I wanted to help them understand their rights and navigate the system." This passion led her to Justice Nest's paralegal training program, where she gained the skills to guide inmates in self-representation and legal literacy.

Today, Halima serves as the Captain of the Shimo la Tewa Women's Prison Justice Nest Paralegals. In this role, she:

• Oversees the daily operations of the paralegal office.
• Acts as a vital bridge between the prison administration, inmates, and Justice Nest.
• Mentors fellow paralegals to ensure quality legal support for incarcerated women.

Her leadership has been transformative, ensuring that women in prison have access to justice, dignity, and hope.

Halima believes in a justice system that uplifts rather than punishes. "Every woman deserves a fair chance," she says. "Through our paralegal work, we’re not just helping with cases—we’re restoring hope."

As Team Captain of the prison's paralegal unit, Juma provides critical leadership that bridges the gap between inmates and justice. He oversees a team that helps prisoners navigate complex legal processes - from appeals and bail applications to mitigation efforts and legal submissions. This work is particularly vital in a system where many cannot afford private legal representation. His approach goes beyond paperwork; he creates an environment where fairness prevails and every individual's rights are protected, regardless of their background or circumstances.

What sets Juma apart is his deep belief in rehabilitation as the path to true justice. He understands that preparing inmates for successful reintegration benefits not just individuals but entire communities. Through his leadership, prisoners gain legal knowledge and practical skills that help them rebuild their lives. His work challenges societal stigma by demonstrating that with proper support, people can change and contribute positively to society. The respect he commands from both staff and inmates speaks volumes about his character and the transformative power of his approach.

Juma's career stands as powerful evidence that prisons can be places of rehabilitation rather than mere punishment. His daily efforts prove that treating incarcerated individuals with humanity while providing access to justice creates safer communities and a fairer society. As Kenya continues reforming its criminal justice system, professionals like Juma Karoyo show what's possible when principle meets practice in the service of justice.

At Shimo la Tewa Main Prison, Samuel transforms the traditional prison narrative through his specialization in vocational training. His tailoring workshop does more than teach stitches and seams - it weaves rehabilitation into reality. The proof? Former inmates now running successful tailoring businesses, some even creating jobs for others in their communities.

"Measure twice, cut once" takes on profound meaning in Samuel's approach. Just as a skilled tailor carefully prepares before cutting precious fabric, he prepares inmates for life after incarceration with equal precision. His students don't just learn to make uniforms - they stitch together new identities as skilled artisans and providers.

As Justice Nest's team leader at Shimo Main, Samuel applies this same meticulous care to legal empowerment. He ensures inmates receive proper guidance on bond applications, appeals, and legal submissions while spreading crucial legal awareness throughout the prison population.

The Senior Sergeant's work demonstrates that true rehabilitation requires both practical skills and legal knowledge. Like the durable seams his students learn to create, Samuel builds interventions meant to last - turning prison time into preparation time, and inmates into entrepreneurs.

His story isn't just about making clothes - it's about remaking lives. Every stitch in his workshop represents a step toward redemption, every finished garment a symbol of transformation. In Kenya's journey toward restorative justice, Samuel Irungu Wachira isn't just following the pattern - he's helping redesign the entire blueprint of prison rehabilitation.