About Ogweno Stephen

Ogweno Stephen : The Optimist

At his very core, Ogweno Stephen is an unwavering optimist. His life’s mission is fueled by the belief that everything can be improved, and there is endless potential for growth. Ogweno lives by the mantra that nothing in life is permanent—neither joy nor sorrow, excitement nor despair. He believes that the true essence of life lies in embracing responsibility, as it is through responsibility that we derive meaning and value. Much like the myth of Sisyphus, Ogweno finds purpose not in the destination but in the journey upward, where discipline and perseverance reveal life’s deeper rewards.

Ogweno’s philosophy of excellence through consistent discipline and intentional habits has empowered him to overcome life’s challenges and emerge stronger. Born into an average family, he faced early struggles with obesity and took on his first job at just seven years old, cleaning his school. From selling merchandise on the streets to pursuing higher education, building successful ventures, and continuously striving for self-improvement, Ogweno’s journey embodies resilience and determination.

His mantra is simple yet profound: Set a goal, cultivate the disciplines needed, enjoy the process, and persist through challenges till you get to the destination. Ogweno Stephen exemplifies gratitude in the present while striving for a better future—always moving onwards and upwards, for himself and for society.

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Experience

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Lives impacted

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Scientific Publications

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Followers Online

Ogweno Stephen : Bio

Ogweno Stephen is a multi-award-winning global public health expert, researcher, author, and innovator, committed to addressing health inequities and advancing wellness globally. With a Public Health degree from Kenyatta University, a Master’s in Global Health from the University of Manchester, and Sustainability in Business Leadership studies from the University of Cambridge, Ogweno specializes in improving public health tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and leveraging on health tech across Africa.

As the founder and CEO of Stowelink Foundation (2015) and Lifesten Health (2022) , Ogweno has implemented transformative health programs in over 10 African countries, focusing on improving health literacy, behaviour and access to care. His advocacy emphasizes the inclusion of marginalized groups in health and policy programming.

Globally, Ogweno serves in several key roles, including as a Steering Member at WHO NCD Labs and NCD Alliance, and as a director at the World Obesity Federation, amplifying work in global health. As celebrated entrepreneur, researcher and author of six books, Ogweno has received prestigious accolades, including the WHO-AFRO Hideyo Noguchi Prize for Young African Researchers in 2022 and listed as Top 100 Young African Leaders.

At just 29, Ogweno is a trailblazer in public health, inspiring impactful change.

THE JOURNEY

The Journey of Resilience: The Inspiring Story of Ogweno Stephen

The Genesis

Early Life and Overcoming Challenges
Born into an average family with loving parents and siblings, Ogweno Stephen faced a unique set of challenges from an early age. Struggling with childhood obesity and growing up in a low socio-economic setting, Ogweno’s formative years were marked by resilience and resourcefulness. At just 7 years old, he struck a deal with school cleaners to assist in cleaning the school classes after his classmates had gone home and washing utensils after students had lunch in exchange for food for himself and his two sisters. Despite the difficulties, his father instilled in him the values of gratitude, perseverance, and working towards a clear goal.

Entrepreneurial Ventures in High School
In high school, Ogweno’s entrepreneurial spirit began to shine. From branding students’ clothes to prevent theft, using his literary prowess to write poems and love letters for his classmates and deliver them to their high school lovers during school outings(Ogweno was in a boys boarding school), to training a successful high school dance crew, Ogweno demonstrated his knack for innovation and problem-solving. These ventures not only earned him recognition but also laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

The Turning Point

Finding Purpose: Transition to Public Health
After high school, Ogweno explored various ventures, including hawking merchandise on the street and selling digital products. However, a series of personal tragedies, including the loss of three close friends and family members to diabetes and stroke, led him to his life’s purpose: preventing deaths from lifestyle diseases. Initially invited to university to study Information Technology, Ogweno shifted to Population Health and founded the Stowelink Foundation in 2015.

Stowelink Foundation: Creating Impact Across Africa
The Stowelink Foundation was built to provide access to information, diagnostics, and advocacy for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Since its first project in 2016, Stowelink has implemented 10 major projects across 10 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, reaching over 10 million people. Through community work, research, policy advocacy, and health tech innovations, Stowelink has become a recognized leader in addressing NCDs.

Breaking New Ground: Lifesten Health
Ogweno Stephen decided to take an even bigger challenge in health which was to commit to developing health tech innovation focusing on behavioral change to prevent individuals from developing lifestyle diseases latter on in life. So in 2021, Ogweno co-founded Lifesten Health, a health tech company in Rwanda dedicated to helping individuals adopt healthier lifestyles through behavioral interventions. Leveraging innovations like transdermal optical imaging AI, Lifesten Health focuses on addressing the behavioral challenges of health improvement, a rare but impactful approach in health tech. Ogweno’s experience has positioned him as a pioneer in merging advocacy, technology and public health, working alongside organizations such as the World Health Organization, the NCD Alliance, and the World Obesity Federation to mention a few.

Expanding Horizons: Beyond Health Innovations
Ogweno’s transferable skills in strategic thinking and innovation have seen him contribute to other sectors, including agriculture and climate change. As a consultant and board member, he has helped organizations implement practical strategies for growth. In addition, his passion for entrepreneurship culminated in the release of his 6th book, Practical Skills for Entrepreneurial Success, an autobiographical guide for startup founders. The book, a bestseller, offers step-by-step strategies to help individuals build and sustain successful ventures.

The Legacy

Looking Ahead: Legacy and Leadership
At just 29, Ogweno is entering the second quarter of his life with a clear vision. His goal is to significantly improve health outcomes for NCDs in Africa, aiming to reach 1 billion people. He is equally passionate about raising the next generation of entrepreneurs through his annual mentorship programs and the establishment of Legacy Leadership Africa, a premier leadership training organization.

Join Ogweno Stephen’s journey of impact and support his mission to create healthier communities and empowered leaders across the continent.