Rose Wambui Thuku is the Executive Director of Nafisika Trust, a for-impact, charity-based organisation focused on reducing recidivism and supporting the successful rehabilitation, reintegration and economic empowerment of incarcerated individuals, particularly young people.
Rose has served as Executive Director since 2021, taking over the leadership of Nafisika Trust from its Founder, Vickie Wambura. Under her leadership, Rose has continued to strengthen the organisation’s partnership with the Kenya Prisons Service, where Nafisika Trust has worked for 19 years to deliver rehabilitation, reintegration, capacity-building and empowerment programmes across correctional institutions in Kenya.
A key focus of Rose’s leadership has been expanding access to rehabilitation and skills development programmes through technology. She spearheaded the introduction and expansion of Virtual Prison Training Programmes, enabling Nafisika Trust to reach institutions that are located in marginalised and remote areas of the country.
Rose plays a central role in the organisation’s strategic direction, overseeing the drafting, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and measurement of its Strategic Plan. She was instrumental in the development and execution of the organisation’s 2020–2022 Strategic Plan and is currently leading the development of Nafisika Trust’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.
During and following the COVID-19 period, Rose led the organisation in significantly expanding its geographical reach—from activities in fewer than five counties to more than 10 counties across Kenya. This growth has enabled Nafisika Trust to broaden its rehabilitation, reintegration, capacity-building and economic empowerment programmes, reaching hundreds of men, women and young people.
Under her leadership, Nafisika Trust has also strengthened its digital engagement and institutional reach. The organisation has provided technology support to at least five correctional institutions, delivered virtual training to more than 10 institutions, and engaged approximately 90 prisons through the MAKINI Awards Webinar Series, helping to sensitise, mobilise and encourage greater participation in positive change within the correctional service.
Rose is passionate about creating pathways for people leaving prison to rebuild their lives, become economically productive and successfully reintegrate into their communities. Her work is grounded in the belief that rehabilitation, opportunity and empowerment can help transform lives, reduce re-offending and ultimately contribute to safer and more inclusive communities.
