Lucy Mwai-Gichuki
Lucy Mwai-Gichuki is the visionary founder and lead scientist behind xLAB Diagnostics Africa, a pioneering enterprise revolutionizing sexual health care across Kenya. Under her leadership, xLAB has become Africa’s first provider of home-based STI self-testing kits—affordable, discreet, and accessible—empowering individuals to take charge of their sexual well-being while mitigating stigma and barriers to testing.
Through her strategic direction, xLAB has integrated innovative distribution channels including partnerships with community pharmacies, outreach initiatives in schools, and digital education platforms. These efforts have successfully broadened reach, especially among youth and underserved communities in both urban and rural settings. The company’s model includes a secure digital portal for confidential results and telehealth support, ensuring prompt care following testing.
Lucy’s leadership reflects a holistic approach—merging scientific rigor with compassionate public health outreach. By embedding affordability, privacy, and education into the service framework, she’s driving behavioral change and reducing STI transmission in Kenya and beyond.
As a founder, Lucy Mwai-Gichuki exemplifies impactful innovation—championing sexual health accessibility and reshaping norms through technology, empathy, and scientific excellence.