Thump on "Link to a Category using the Slug"

Hi,

I am trying to link my category links in my footer calling the slug, my PHP and wordpress is beginner level ;o(

The links in the footer are hard coded and I would like to pass in the A HREF this and maybe pass the title to.

So I have done this: <li><a href="<?php echo get_category_by_slug('meal-kits') ?>">Meal Kits</a></li> but this does not work

Please could some one help