The Maji Mazuri Center was developed based on the work of the Program Director- Wanjiku Kironyo, a family marital therapist, who in 1984 set up office in the Mathare Valley and began counseling women.

In 1985, a Canadian individual committed herself to starting a small agency known as the Awareness Program. The purpose of that program was to create a cooperative inter-country partnership with Mrs. Kironyo’s office. In 1986, the Awareness Program secured grants from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and provided the start up funds for Maji Mazuri Center. From its humble beginnings, Maji Mazuri Center’s projects have evolved greatly and grown significantly. Initial funding was primarily received from the Awareness Program, but other sources of funds have been accessed over the years.