Bridging the Gap: Youth Leadership in County Budgeting & Health Advocacy

Stretchers Youth Organization :Latest News :Bridging the Gap: Youth Leadership in County Budgeting & Health Advocacy
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When young people understand county budget processes, they gain the power to advocate effectively for the essential health services they need.

We recently participated in an impactful training session organized by NAYA Kenya in partnership with TAYO at Coast General Referral Hospital, Chaani. The forum focused on equipping youth advocates with vital skills in advocacy, understanding county budget cycles, and drafting public memoranda.

During the workshop, participants engaged in practical discussions around pressing health challenges facing Adolescents and Young People (AYPs). Key topics included:

  • Operationalizing the Health Revolving Fund to support local healthcare delivery.
  • Expanding access to Youth-Friendly Health Centres to ensure safe, tailored care for young citizens.

When young people have a seat at the decision-making table, health policies become far more inclusive, effective, and actionable.

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Empowering Young Voices to Drive Local Health & Budget Advocacy
Empowering Young Voices to Drive Local Health & Budget Advocacy

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At SYO, we believe that potential exists everywhere, but opportunities do not. That is why we design and implement programs that respond to the real needs of both in-school and out-of-school adolescents and young people. 

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Dickson Obonyo Okong’o is a Kenyan human rights advocate and social entrepreneur

with over 13 years of experience in youth-led civil society, human rights advocacy, and access to justice. In 2011, he founded Stretchers Youth Organization (SYO) as a grassroots youth collective in Mombasa; today it has grown into a national organization with reach across four counties, working to advance youth empowerment, human rights, and community-driven development.

Before leading SYO full-time, Dickson served as a Human Rights Officer at Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), where he monitored and reported on human rights violations and worked on safe migration and employment programs. His career also includes roles with the African Youth Trust, Compassion International, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Samuel Hall East Africa, Defenders Coalition, and Avocats Sans Frontières East Africa.

He currently serves as Deputy Chair of the United Nations Kenya Leave No One Behind Sounding Board and Youth Co-Chair of the Global Protection Working Group, and holds memberships with the WHO/IBP Network and Share-Net International. He his a board member of a number of grassroots organizations working across Kenya’s civil society space.

Dickson is a Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) East Africa alumnus (2020), an ITCILO (International Training Centre of the ILO) alumnus, and a 2024 alumnus of ISPI’s Next Generation programme.

He is a trained and certified mediator and a trained community paralegal, with over a decade of experience supporting community members through legal aid, dialogue facilitation, and conflict resolution. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies and a Diploma in Community Development and Social Work, both from Mount Kenya University.

Dickson remains committed to building institutions that put youth voice, equity, and justice at the center of community and national development.

Everlyne Mahenzo-Project Associate

Everlyne Mahenzo supports the planning, coordination, and implementation of projects at Stretchers Youth Organization (SYO). She works closely with programmes team and communities to ensure activities are delivered effectively while contributing to youth empowerment, community development, and social impact. Her role also includes project documentation, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and supporting monitoring and evaluation processes.

For assistance with project implementation, program coordination, community engagement, activity planning, project documentation, or general project-related inquiries.

Malika Ouma -Communication,Media & Public Relations

Malika Ouma serves as the Communications, Media, and Public Relations lead at SYO. Leveraging her expertise in filmmaking, television production, and digital podcasting, she develops powerful narratives to elevate our organizational mission. She manages institutional messaging, media networking, and strategic brand storytelling.

 For inquiries regarding press outreach, media collaborations, or narrative-driven partnerships, Malika is the primary contact.

Nusra Muhammad- Finance

Nusra Muhammad serves as the Finance lead at SYO, where she manages fiscal operations, budgeting, and institutional reporting to maintain high standards of accountability and resource efficiency. She collaborates with the team and external stakeholders to ensure financial decisions align with donor compliance and organizational strategy.

For inquiries regarding financial planning, documentation, or administrative support, Nusra is the primary contact.

Caroline Mapenzi- Project Associate Intern ,Financial Department

Caroline Mapenzi  Project Associate Intern in the finance department Caroline assists the finance department at SYO in preparing budgets and monitoring expenditure, Maintaining accurate financial records and filing documents, managing petty cash and keeping proper records, reconciling bank accounts with financial records, Ensuring compliance with financial policies, tax and audits requirements. Advising management on financial planning and resource allocation.

Farida Bakari -Programs Associate

Farida Bakari is the Programs Associate at SYO, where she coordinates youth empowerment initiatives that promote leadership, education, gender equality, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). She brings experience in project coordination, community mobilization,  monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring programs are impactful and responsive to community needs. Passionate about creating opportunities for young people, Farida works closely with partners, government institutions, and communities to deliver sustainable solutions that empower youth to thrive.

Francisca Muema – Board Member

Francisca Muema is a Social Impact Specialist with over 12 years of experience designing and leading inclusive, transformative programs across education, health, economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and social entrepreneurship. She currently serves as Head of East Africa at Rhiza Ventures, overseeing innovative health and education initiatives across Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi.

Francisca has worked with global and regional programs including Digitruck Africa, Boost Your Business Incubation, Tusome Kenya, and the Girls’ Education Challenge. Her expertise spans organizational capacity strengthening, sustainability planning, partnership development, and evidence-based programming.

She holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, alongside multiple certifications in safeguarding, transformative leadership, business coaching, and mentorship. As a METIS Fellow, she has contributed to innovation in education across East Africa.

As a Board Member, Francisca would strengthen SYO through strategic leadership, program quality oversight, partnerships, and long-term sustainability planning. Her systems thinking and regional experience would support organizational growth and impact at scale.

Peter Akenga Kihamba - Board member

Sustainable impact requires more than great ideas—it requires strong systems, responsible stewardship, and sound financial leadership. Peter Akenga Kihamba brings this perspective to Stretchers Youth Organization, drawing on more than a decade of experience in financial management, grant oversight, compliance, and operational leadership within international development and nonprofit organizations.

As the Country Finance and Administration Manager at We World Kenya Foundation, Peter is helping organizations translate ambitious development goals into measurable and sustainable impact. Through strategic financial leadership, robust internal controls, and effective resource management, he ensures that donor investments are managed responsibly and that organizational systems remain strong, accountable, and responsive to community needs.

Throughout his career, he has built extensive expertise in budget management, financial reporting, donor compliance, risk management, and audit coordination. His experience overseeing complex grant portfolios, including multi-partner consortium projects and European Union-funded programmes, has strengthened his ability to navigate demanding accountability frameworks while ensuring that resources are used efficiently and transparently. His successful oversight of We World’s inaugural EU-funded project valued at €975,000 reflects his commitment to financial stewardship and responsible governance.

Beyond managing finances, Peter is passionate about building institutions that can grow and thrive over the long term. He has played a key role in strengthening organizational systems, improving operational efficiency, and developing high-performing teams. His leadership in expanding the finance department at We World Kenya Foundation from two to nine staff members demonstrates his belief that strong organizations are built by investing in people, fostering collaboration, and creating systems that support excellence.

He also recognizes the critical role that innovation and technology play in strengthening organizational effectiveness. His leadership in transitioning financial management systems from Navision to NP Square reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and the adoption of tools that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accountability. This systems-thinking approach continues to support stronger decision-making and more effective program implementation.

Peter’s professional experience spans financial planning and analysis, statutory compliance, payroll administration, procurement oversight, logistics management, asset control, and partner capacity strengthening. Through his work with local partners across multiple counties, Peter has helped organizations strengthen financial accountability, improve compliance, and build the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable development outcomes.

Holding a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from KCA University, and professional certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K), Peter combines technical expertise with practical leadership experience. As a registered member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), he remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

At Stretchers Youth Organization,he is strengthening the Board’s ability to provide strategic financial oversight, promote sound governance, and ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources. His experience in donor compliance, risk management, institutional strengthening, and financial leadership supports SYO’s continued growth while reinforcing the trust of communities, partners, and donors.

Driven by integrity, excellence, and a commitment to sustainable development, he continues to help build the systems and structures that enable organizations to create lasting impact. His contribution to the Board strengthens SYO’s capacity to deliver meaningful opportunities for young people while ensuring that the organization remains accountable, resilient, and positioned for long-term success.

Patriciah Awuor Obillo – Board Member

Behind every organization creating lasting social impact is a strong financial foundation built on integrity, accountability, and responsible stewardship. Patriciah Awuor Obillo brings this perspective to Stretchers Youth Organization, believing that sound financial governance enables organizations to grow sustainably while remaining accountable to the communities they serve, their partners, and their donors.

With a professional background in finance, accounting, and tax compliance, Patriciah is strengthening SYO’s governance by promoting transparency, financial discipline, and robust internal systems. She understands that effective financial management goes beyond balancing budgets—it creates the confidence and stability that allow organizations to innovate, expand their impact, and remain resilient in an evolving development landscape.

Throughout her career,she has developed expertise in financial management, statutory compliance, budgeting, and policy implementation. Her experience continues to support organizations in maintaining strong financial controls, meeting regulatory obligations, and ensuring that resources are managed responsibly and in line with strategic priorities.

One of Patriciah’s greatest strengths is her passion for building systems that strengthen institutions. She recognizes that well-designed financial and organizational policies are not simply administrative requirements—they are the foundation of good governance, effective decision-making, and long-term sustainability. This perspective enables her to contribute meaningfully to the continuous improvement of SYO’s financial frameworks, internal controls, and risk management practices.

Beyond her technical expertise,she is driven by a genuine commitment to youth empowerment and community development. She believes that responsible leadership is built on collaboration, ethical decision-making, and shared accountability. These values continue to guide her contribution as the organization works alongside young people and communities to create lasting social change.

At Stretchers Youth Organization, she is supporting the Board in strengthening financial oversight, enhancing compliance with regulatory and donor requirements, and ensuring that financial decisions remain aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. Her collaborative approach enables her to work closely with fellow board members and management to build systems that promote accountability, efficiency, and long-term organizational resilience.

Through her financial expertise, systems-thinking approach, and commitment to transparency, Patriciah is helping strengthen SYO’s institutional capacity and financial sustainability. Her contribution supports the organization’s ability to steward resources responsibly, build donor confidence, and maximize its impact for young people and communities across Kenya.

Hafsa Thabit Mukhatar – Board Member

Strong institutions are built on a foundation of integrity, accountability, and sound legal governance. Hafsa Thabit Mukhatar brings these principles to Stretchers Youth Organization, combining more than a decade of experience in public service, legal practice, and human rights advocacy to help strengthen the organization’s governance, protect its mission, and support its long-term sustainability.

As an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and currently serving as a Senior Legal Officer at the Coast Development Authority (CDA), Hafsa is helping guide institutions through complex legal and regulatory environments. Her work spans litigation management, constitutional interpretation, statutory compliance, contract drafting, legal risk management, and strategic legal advisory—experience that continues to strengthen SYO’s governance framework while ensuring that the organization operates with transparency, accountability, and confidence.

Throughout her legal career, she has built a reputation for providing practical legal solutions that balance compliance with institutional growth. Her experience across public institutions and private legal practice has enabled her to advise organizations on governance, policy implementation, commercial transactions, dispute resolution, and regulatory obligations, always with a focus on protecting institutional integrity and promoting sound decision-making.

What distinguishes Hafsa is her passion for using the law as a tool for social justice. During her time with Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), she worked closely with communities through legal aid programmes, street law initiatives, and organizational compliance support. This experience deepened her understanding of the unique legal and governance challenges faced by nonprofit organizations while reinforcing her commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of vulnerable communities.

Her commitment to leadership extends beyond the courtroom. From her early years at Zanzibar University, where she served as Minister for Constitution and Good Governance, Assistant Minister for Women Affairs, and Secretary General of the Zanzibar University Kenyan Students Association, Hafsa has consistently demonstrated a belief that leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and empowering others. These experiences continue to shape the collaborative and principled approach she brings to the Board.

Holding a Bachelor of Laws and Shariah from Zanzibar University and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, Hafsa combines strong academic grounding with extensive professional experience across public institutions, private practice, and civil society. As a member of the Law Society of Kenya, she remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics and legal practice.

At Stretchers Youth Organization, she is strengthening the Board’s capacity to provide strategic legal oversight, guide governance and policy compliance, manage institutional risk, and safeguard the organization’s reputation. Her ability to navigate complex legal frameworks while remaining grounded in community-centered values enables the Board to make informed decisions that support sustainable growth and lasting impact.

Through her legal expertise, leadership experience, and unwavering commitment to justice, Hafsa continues to help build a governance culture that promotes transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship. Her contribution ensures that Stretchers Youth Organization remains well-positioned to advance its mission of empowering young people while maintaining the confidence of communities, partners, and donors.

Linda Wanjiku Gichuki – Board Member

Strong organizations are built on more than passion—they are sustained by integrity, accountability, and sound governance. Linda Wanjiku Gichuki brings all three to Stretchers Youth Organization. As an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with nearly a decade of legal experience, she is helping strengthen the organization’s governance by ensuring that its growth is guided by ethical leadership, compliance, and a commitment to justice.

Linda is the Founding Partner of Wanjiku Gichuki Law Advocates, where she leads the firm’s strategic direction while managing legal practice, organizational operations, and client representation. Building and managing her own practice has given her firsthand experience in leadership, policy development, financial stewardship, and risk management—skills that continue to strengthen SYO’s governance and institutional sustainability.

Throughout her legal career, she has represented clients, advised institutions, and navigated complex legal and regulatory frameworks with confidence and professionalism. Her experience in litigation, legal research, regulatory compliance, contract review, and dispute resolution enables her to provide practical legal guidance that supports informed decision-making and protects the long-term interests of the organization.

What sets Linda apart is her unwavering commitment to justice beyond the courtroom. Her work with Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) reflects a passion for ensuring that legal knowledge reaches those who need it most. Through legal aid initiatives, community advocacy, and capacity-building programmes, she has helped individuals better understand their rights while promoting access to justice for vulnerable communities.

Her commitment to protecting children, young people, and women is further demonstrated through her facilitation of trainings on child protection systems, the Sexual Offences Act, gender equality, and sexual and gender-based violence prevention. She believes that strong communities are built when rights are understood, protected, and upheld, and this perspective continues to inform her contribution to SYO’s mission.

As a Certified Professional Mediator, Linda also brings the ability to foster dialogue, build consensus, and resolve conflicts constructively. Her expertise in mediation, combined with continuous professional development in women’s rights, reproductive health, leadership, and economic empowerment, enables her to contribute a balanced and people-centred perspective to Board deliberations.

At Stretchers Youth Organization,she  is strengthening the Board’s capacity to provide sound legal oversight, uphold ethical governance, and ensure compliance with evolving legal and regulatory requirements. She is helping create systems that promote transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership while safeguarding the organization’s reputation and the trust placed in it by communities, partners, and donors.

Holding a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons.) from the University of Nairobi and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, Linda combines professional excellence with a deep belief that effective governance creates opportunities for organizations to serve communities with greater impact. Her legal expertise, strategic thinking, and commitment to justice continue to strengthen Stretchers Youth Organization as it expands its reach and empowers more young people across Kenya.

Hassan Wanini – Board Member

Behind every impactful organization is strong financial stewardship. Hassan Wanini believes that when resources are managed wisely, organizations are better equipped to create lasting change in the communities they serve. With more than eight years of experience in cost accounting and business management, he brings to Stretchers Youth Organization a practical understanding of financial sustainability, accountability, and responsible governance.

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from UMMA University, Hassan has built his career helping organizations strengthen financial systems, optimize operational costs, and improve revenue generation. Throughout his professional journey, he has supported institutions in making informed financial decisions that have increased efficiency while achieving revenue growth of up to 70 percent in some engagements. His experience continues to demonstrate that financial discipline is not simply about reducing costs—it is about ensuring that every investment contributes to long-term impact.

At Stretchers Youth Organization, he is strengthening the Board’s ability to provide sound financial oversight, guide strategic budgeting, and promote transparent governance. His expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, audit processes, and internal controls helps ensure that organizational resources are managed responsibly while positioning SYO for sustainable growth and greater impact.

Beyond finance,he recognizes the growing importance of technology in strengthening nonprofit organizations. He champions the adoption of innovative digital systems that improve efficiency, enhance financial reporting, support donor accountability, and create stronger learning and decision-making processes across the organization.

Known for his integrity, collaborative leadership, and attention to detail, he works closely with fellow board members, management, partners, and stakeholders to build a culture of transparency and shared responsibility. He believes that effective governance is rooted in accountability, trust, and making decisions that always place the organization’s mission first.

As Stretchers Youth Organization continues expanding its reach and impact, Hassan’s financial expertise, strategic insight, and commitment to sustainable growth are helping strengthen the organization’s governance systems and ensuring that every resource entrusted to SYO creates meaningful opportunities for young people and communities.