For nearly a decade, Ogweno Stephen has worked alongside communities, young people, researchers, governments, and global health organizations to strengthen health systems across Africa. This month, that journey reached an important milestone as Ogweno Stephen officially joined the Amref Health Africa Board, reinforcing his long-standing commitment to advancing equitable healthcare and community-led development.

The appointment reflects years of service, leadership, and collaboration with Amref Health Africa, one of Africa’s leading public health organizations. For Ogweno Stephen, a Kenyan health advocate, public health expert, and researcher, joining the board represents both a professional achievement and a continuation of a relationship that began almost ten years ago.

A Journey That Started as a Youth Volunteer

Ogweno Stephen’s relationship with Amref Health Africa began in 2016 when he joined the organization’s youth volunteer network.

Between 2016 and 2019, he actively contributed to youth-led health initiatives and later became involved with Y-ACT, Amref’s youth movement that empowers young Africans to influence health and development through advocacy, innovation, and civic engagement.

Those early experiences exposed him to community health programmes, youth leadership, health advocacy, and the importance of building sustainable health systems from the grassroots.

They also helped shape the leadership philosophy that continues to guide his work today through Stowelink Foundation and Lifesten Health.

Supporting the Board as a Resource Person

In 2024, Ogweno Stephen took on a new role within Amref Health Africa by serving as a resource person to the Board.

Working alongside board committees, he provided technical expertise and strategic insights on issues related to public health, youth engagement, digital health innovation, and community-centred approaches to healthcare.

His contributions reflected years of experience working across non-communicable diseases (NCDs), digital health, obesity advocacy, research, and health policy both in Kenya and internationally.

Serving as a resource person also provided an opportunity to better understand board governance, strategic oversight, and the role of strong leadership in shaping one of Africa’s most respected public health organizations.

“Leadership is built through service. Every opportunity to contribute creates the foundation for greater responsibility.”

Officially Joining the Amref Health Africa Board

This month, Ogweno Stephen was officially nominated to join the Amref Health Africa Board.

The appointment marks an important milestone in a journey that has grown from youth volunteerism to organizational governance.

It also reflects the increasing importance of youth leadership within decision-making spaces that shape the future of healthcare across Africa.

As a Kenyan health advocate and global public health leader, Ogweno Stephen brings experience that spans community programmes, scientific research, digital innovation, health policy, entrepreneurship, and international advocacy.

His work has focused on strengthening responses to non-communicable diseases, improving access to healthcare, promoting digital health solutions, and ensuring young people have meaningful opportunities to shape public policy.

Bringing Community Voices Into Board Leadership

Throughout his career, Ogweno Stephen has consistently emphasized that communities should not simply receive healthcare interventions. They should help design them.

His leadership through Stowelink Foundation has demonstrated the value of community engagement, youth participation, implementation research, and evidence-driven advocacy.

These experiences will continue to inform his contribution as a member of the Amref Health Africa Board, where strategic decisions have the potential to influence health systems across multiple African countries.

His background also brings valuable perspectives on emerging priorities, including digital health, primary healthcare strengthening, climate and health, youth leadership, obesity prevention, and equitable access to healthcare.

Looking Ahead

Joining the Amref Health Africa Board is not the end of a journey. It is the beginning of a new chapter.

As healthcare challenges continue to evolve across Africa, strong governance, innovation, community partnerships, and evidence-based decision making will remain essential.

For Ogweno Stephen, the appointment represents an opportunity to continue serving alongside fellow board members, Amref Health Africa staff, governments, partners, and communities to strengthen health systems that are equitable, resilient, and responsive to the needs of all people.

From volunteering as a young advocate to serving as a board member, his journey reflects the power of investing in young leaders and creating pathways for them to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s health future.