We are Alpha - New Beginnings Foundation
A Holistc Approach to Human Well-Being
Alpha – New Beginnings Foundation (ANBF) is a Kenyan registered Community-Based Organisation (CBO) that campaigns to develop sports, fitness, and mental health awareness as an everyday part of life for children, young people, and women for whom fitness and sport is not a guaranteed part of their lives due to the deprived surroundings they were born into or found themselves following life circumstances. Through these, we give them “New Beginnings”.
ANBF distinguishes between sports and fitness by their objectives. The sports carried out at ANBF are used to emphasize competition, skill enhancement, and teamwork, with the primary focus on achieving victory or outperforming opponents. Fitness, however, centers around personal health (both physical and mental), physical abilities, mental wellness, and general well-being. It doesn’t necessarily involve competition but rather focuses on self-improvement and maintaining a healthy lifestyle both intrinsic and extrinsic.
THE THREE PILLARS
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Prof. Dr. Sheila Kalunga
Professor of Mental Health Social Inclusion & Neuroscience | CEO & Founder, Alpha – New Beginnings Foundation
Prof. Dr. Sheila Kalunga Ikunga is a Professor of Mental Health ,Social Inclusion and Neuroscience and a leading authority on the intersection of sports, fitness, and psychological well-being. She is the visionary Founder and CEO of the Alpha – New Beginnings Foundation (ANBF) in Kitui, Kenya, where she champions community-based programs that provide a fresh start to underserved women, youth, and children.
Beyond her grassroots initiatives, Prof. Dr. Kalunga’s expertise shapes athletic policy and athlete care at the highest levels. She currently serves as the Safeguarding Lead for the African Judo Union, protecting the well-being of athletes across the continent, and is a distinguished member of the National Olympic Committee-Kenya (NOC-K) Medical & Scientific Research Commission.
Whether pioneering rehabilitation programs at the Kitui Women’s Prison—an initiative backed by the patronage of former Chief Justice Prof. Dr. Willy Mutunga—or shaping sports medicine policy, Prof. Dr. Kalunga’s mission remains the same: to empower every individual to take charge of their well-being, because “It is NEVER too late to have a New Beginning.“
Executive Director & Co-founder
Sean I. brings a unique blend of technical expertise and compassionate leadership to his role as Executive Director and Co-founder of Alpha New Beginnings.
With a foundational career spanning Finance and IT, Sean recognized early on the critical need for better mental health support and emotional intelligence in high-stress environments.
Today, Sean’s true passion lies in helping others navigate their own fresh starts. He is a passionate advocate for boys’ and men’s mental health, helping to create safe spaces for vulnerability and growth. As a Certified Mental Health First Aider and an active mindfulness practitioner, Sean believes that true transformation starts from within. He leverages both his analytical background and his dedication to wellness to guide the vision and daily operations of Alpha New Beginnings, helping individuals and organizations build resilient, balanced lives.
Alpha Patron
Hon. Dr. Willy Mutunga, EGH
Patron, Alpha New Beginnings
For over four decades, Former Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga has been at the forefront of the fight for human rights, constitutional reform, and social justice in East Africa. Today, he proudly serves as a Patron for Alpha New Beginnings, lending his formidable voice to the cause of community rehabilitation/Intergration and empowerment.
Dr. Mutunga’s legacy is defined by his transformative tenure as the President of the Supreme Court of Kenya (2011–2016), where he oversaw the implementation of a progressive new constitution and the sweeping reform of the judiciary. Long before he was Chief Justice, he was a fearless activist, academic, and civil society leader who dedicated his life to breaking down systemic barriers for the disenfranchised.
At Alpha New Beginnings, Dr. Mutunga champions the belief that meaningful change requires both institutional support and individual empowerment. He brings an extraordinary depth of wisdom to the organization, guiding its strategic vision and inspiring partners to invest in second chances. His patronage is a testament to the fact that equitable support systems are the foundation of a just society.
Meet Our Team
Meet the Team Behind Our Holistic Wellness Approach.
Frank Manyenya
Consultant physical fitness expert & manager (part-time)
Abishag Wammbeyi
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (Anxiety, depression and ptsd) and safeguarding liason
Zipporah Mwinzi
CLINICAL ADDICTION PSYCHOLOGIST and deputy safeguarding lead (part-time)
Joan Muthiora
holistic Clinical NUTRITIONIST and dietician consultant (part-time)
Roland Kibali
boy child gen-z representative & mental health advocate (part-time)
Ashley Mwandau
Gen-z Girl child & Women representative (part-time)
Ruth Seve
safeguarding lead (part-time)
Mariam Shumbana
MARKETING DIRECTOR & MINORITY LEAD (part-time)
