About us

Stretchers Youth Organization :About us

(SYO) is a membership, Youth-led organization founded in 2011

AbOUT US

In 2011, a group of passionate young people came together with a simple but powerful belief: every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

That belief gave birth to Stretchers Youth Organization (SYO), a youth-led and membership-based organization dedicated to creating pathways for empowerment, inclusion, and positive change.

Over the years, we have walked alongside adolescents, young people, women, vulnerable youth, and marginalized communities, listening to their stories, understanding their challenges, and supporting their aspirations. We recognize that every journey is unique. For some, the challenge is accessing education or employment opportunities. For others, it is overcoming social barriers, exclusion, or limited access to information and resources.

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. Through skills development, leadership opportunities, civic engagement, health awareness, mentorship, and community-driven initiatives, we create safe spaces where individuals can grow in confidence, discover their strengths, and shape their own futures.

Today, SYO continues to be driven by the voices and energy of young people, working to build a society where every individual—regardless of age, gender, ability, or social status—has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their community.

Our Focus Areas

Health and Wellbeing

For many young people, the journey to adulthood is filled with questions, pressures, and life-changing decisions.

Some struggle silently with anxiety, stress, depression, or the weight of expectations from family, school, and society. Others navigate relationships, sexuality, and reproductive health without access to reliable information or trusted support systems. Many find themselves exposed to drugs and substances that promise escape but often leave lasting consequences.

At Stretchers Youth Organization (SYO), we have seen these realities first-hand.

We have sat in classrooms where young people were afraid to talk about their mental health for fear of being judged. We have listened to adolescents seeking answers about their bodies, relationships, and futures. We have met young people whose dreams were put at risk by substance use, misinformation, stigma, and a lack of safe spaces to seek help.

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Democracy and good Governance

counts, and their future is shaped not only by leaders but by the collective actions of informed and engaged communities.

Too often, young people, women, and marginalized communities are told that governance is something that happens around them rather than with them. Decisions are made, resources are allocated, and policies are developed without meaningful engagement from those most affected. This can create a sense of exclusion, mistrust, and disconnection from democratic processes.

At Stretchers Youth Organization, we believe that democracy is strongest when citizens are informed, empowered, and actively involved in shaping the communities they live in. We work to bridge the gap between citizens and decision-makers by creating spaces where dialogue, participation, and accountability can flourish.

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Human rights and gender mainstreaming

Every day, countless young people and women wake up to barriers they did not create.

For some, it is the young woman whose voice is dismissed simply because of her gender. For others, it is the adolescent denied opportunities because of where they were born, the resources available to them, or the social norms that continue to define who can lead, who can speak, and who can succeed.

At Stretchers Youth Organization, we have met these individuals in classrooms, community halls, informal settlements, and rural villages. We have listened to their stories of resilience, frustration, courage, and hope. These stories remind us that while rights may be guaranteed on paper, many young people still face obstacles in accessing justice, opportunities, and equal participation in society.

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Our Board of Directors

SYO Team
Hassan Wanini
– Board Member
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Linda Wanjiku Gichuki
– Board Member
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Patriciah Awuor Obillo
– Board Member
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Hafsa Thabit Mukhatar
– Board Member
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Peter Akenga Kihamba
– Board Member
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The Secretariat

SYO Team
Dickson Okong'o
-Executive Director
Edward Sakwa
- Public Relations Officer
Joseph Mwangi
- Project Officer
Martin Owino
- Logistics and Field SupportOfficer
Caroline Mapenzi
- Programs Associate
Everlyne Mganga
- Programs Associate
Farida Mwaka
- Programs Associate
Tedyson
- Admin and Logistic Support

Here’s What’s Happening

From our blog

Celebrating 16 Days of Activism 2024

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The Key to Achieving the SDGs

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International Migrants Day 2024

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Call for support

0777 922005

info@stretchersyouth.org

Find us on

Bahari Estate, along Portreitz Road,
HSE No. 3

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As a community-driven organization, we champion sexual and reproductive health, mental health awareness, and inclusivity while fostering active citizenship and equality.

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Contact Form (#3)

News Letter

Newsletter Form (#4)
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Copyright ©2025 Stretchers Youth Org. All Rights Reserved.

Hassan Wanini – Board Member

Hassan Wanini is a seasoned cost accountant and business management professional with over eight years of experience supporting organizations to strengthen financial efficiency, sustainability, and revenue optimization. He brings to board service a strong analytical mindset, financial discipline, and a results-oriented approach that is critical for strengthening institutional governance and long-term sustainability.

Hassan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from UMMA University and has built a professional career focused on cost control, budgeting, financial analysis, and revenue enhancement. Across his work, he has supported organizations to streamline operational costs while improving income generation, achieving revenue growth margins of up to 70 percent in some engagements. His expertise lies in aligning expenditure with strategic priorities, improving financial accountability systems, and strengthening internal controls.

As a board member, Hassan would provide valuable oversight in financial governance, budgeting, audit processes, and resource mobilization strategies. His ability to interpret financial data and translate it into strategic decision-making would strengthen the Board’s capacity to oversee SYO’s financial health, ensure value for money, and guide sustainable growth. He is particularly well positioned to support the organization in developing cost-effective operational models while maintaining program quality and impact.

Hassan is also passionate about sustainable technological growth and innovation, recognizing the role of digital systems in improving efficiency, transparency, and scale within nonprofit organizations. He brings a forward-looking perspective on how technology can be leveraged to enhance financial reporting, donor compliance, and organizational learning.

In addition to technical skills, Hassan offers strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement abilities, enabling him to work effectively with management, fellow board members, donors, and partners. His professional integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to accountability align strongly with the fiduciary responsibilities of a nonprofit board.

Through his financial expertise, strategic insight, and commitment to organizational excellence, Hassan Wanini would significantly strengthen SYO’s governance structures, financial sustainability, and capacity to deliver long-term impact for young people and communities.

Linda Wanjiku Gichuki – Board Member

Linda Wanjiku Gichuki is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with nearly a decade of experience in legal practice, institutional governance, and public-interest engagement. She brings to the Board strong legal acumen, ethical leadership, and a deep commitment to accountability, justice, and organizational sustainability.

She is the Founding Partner at Wanjiku Gichuki Law Advocates, where she provides strategic leadership, oversees firm operations, and represents clients in criminal and family law matters. Her role as a law firm founder has equipped her with hands-on experience in organizational management, policy development, financial prudence, and risk mitigation—skills that are directly transferable to nonprofit board governance.

Linda’s professional background includes litigation and advisory roles at Muriithi-Wanjiku Advocates & Associates and David K. Gichuki & Co. Advocates. In these roles, she handled legal research, drafting of pleadings and opinions, court representation, settlement negotiations, and regulatory advisory services. She has demonstrated a strong ability to interpret complex legal and regulatory frameworks and translate them into practical guidance for institutions.

Her commitment to public interest law is reflected in her work with Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), where she supported legal aid initiatives and community advocacy. She has also facilitated trainings on child protection systems and the Sexual Offences Act, reinforcing her dedication to safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting rights-based approaches.

Linda is a Certified Professional Mediator trained by the Mediation Training Institute of East Africa and has additional training in sexual and gender-based violence prevention, women’s rights, reproductive health, leadership, and economic empowerment. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons.) from the University of Nairobi and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.

As a Board Member, Linda would strengthen SYO through robust legal oversight, policy compliance, ethical governance, and strategic risk management. Her values-driven leadership and governance expertise would support the organization’s credibility, accountability, and long-term institutional growth.

Patriciah Awuor Obillo – Board Member

Patriciah Awuor Obillo is a finance, accounting, and tax compliance professional with a strong interest in strengthening financial governance and institutional accountability within nonprofit organizations. She brings to the Board a disciplined, systems-oriented approach to financial oversight and compliance.

Her professional background equips her with expertise in financial management, statutory compliance, budgeting, and policy review—key pillars of effective board governance. Patriciah is particularly well positioned to support SYO in strengthening its financial frameworks, ensuring compliance with regulatory and donor requirements, and enhancing transparency and accountability across organizational systems.

Patriciah has a keen interest in contributing to the development and review of financial and organizational policies, recognizing their importance in guiding sustainable growth and risk management. Her approach to governance emphasizes prudent financial stewardship, internal controls, and long-term planning to safeguard organizational resources.

Beyond technical expertise, Patriciah is motivated by SYO’s mission of youth empowerment and community development. She values teamwork, ethical leadership, and shared responsibility in advancing organizational goals. Her commitment to accountability aligns strongly with the fiduciary responsibilities of a board member.

As part of the Board, Patriciah would contribute by supporting financial oversight, audit processes, and strategic resource planning. She would also bring a constructive, collaborative perspective to Board deliberations, supporting management to strengthen systems and align financial decisions with SYO’s mission and strategic objectives.

Through her financial acumen, policy focus, and commitment to transparency, Patriciah would be a valuable addition to the SYO Board, contributing to institutional resilience, donor confidence, and sustainable impact.

Hafsa Thabit Mukhatar – Board Member

Hafsa Thabit Mukhatar is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over ten years of progressive experience in public service, private legal practice, and human rights advocacy. She brings to the Board a wealth of legal expertise, institutional governance experience, and a strong commitment to integrity and public service.

She currently serves as a Senior Legal Officer at the Coast Development Authority (CDA), where she provides strategic legal advisory services and represents the Authority in judicial and quasi-judicial processes. Her responsibilities include litigation management, statutory compliance, constitutional interpretation, contract drafting and vetting, coordination of external counsel, and advising management on legal risk and regulatory obligations.

Hafsa holds a Bachelor of Laws and Shariah degree from Zanzibar University and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. She is a member of the Law Society of Kenya and has extensive experience handling litigation, commercial transactions, conveyancing, family law, criminal legal aid, and administrative law from her time in private practice at Salma & Co. Advocates, Darani & Co. Advocates, and other firms.

Her background also includes service as a Legal Officer at Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), where she supported organizational compliance, conducted legal aid and street law programs, and represented the organization in legal matters. This experience strengthened her understanding of NGO governance, human rights programming, and accountability to communities and donors.

Beyond legal practice, Hafsa has demonstrated strong leadership through her roles in student governance, including serving as Minister for Constitution and Good Governance and Assistant Minister for Women Affairs at Zanzibar University, as well as Secretary General of the Zanzibar University Kenyan Students Association.

As a Board Member, Hafsa would strengthen SYO through sound legal oversight, governance compliance, risk management, and strategic counsel. Her institutional experience, leadership background, and commitment to ethical service would enhance the Board’s effectiveness in steering SYO toward sustainable growth and impactful youth-centered programming.

Peter Akenga Kihamba - Board member

Peter Akenga Kihamba is a seasoned Finance and Administration Manager with over a decade of progressive experience in financial management, grant oversight, compliance, and operational leadership within international and non-governmental organizations. He currently serves as Country Finance and Administration Manager at We World Kenya Foundation, where he provides strategic financial leadership, strengthens internal control systems, and ensures compliance with donor and statutory requirements.

Peter brings strong expertise in budget management, financial reporting, risk management, internal and external audit facilitation, and donor compliance, including EU-funded and multi-partner consortium projects. He has successfully overseen large-scale grant portfolios, including the closure of We World’s inaugural EU-funded project valued at €975,000, demonstrating sound financial stewardship and accountability.

Throughout his career, Peter has played a pivotal role in strengthening institutional systems and operational efficiency. He led the expansion of the finance department from two to nine staff members between 2023 and 2024, reflecting his strong leadership and team development capabilities. He has also facilitated the seamless transition of accounting systems from Navision to NP Square and continues to oversee financial system integrity using modern ERP platforms.

His experience spans financial planning and analysis, statutory compliance (VAT, PAYE, NSSF, NHIF, WHT), payroll management, procurement oversight, logistics coordination, asset and inventory control, and partner capacity building across multiple counties in Kenya. He has conducted interim partner monitoring missions, strengthened financial accountability frameworks, and supported organizations to align with donor regulations and international reporting standards.

Peter holds a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from KCA University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and a registered member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).

Driven by integrity, operational excellence, and strategic leadership, Peter is committed to strengthening financial governance systems, fostering accountability, and supporting sustainable program implementation across diverse development contexts.

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.