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Impact Stories
Nyeri Youth Development Policy: Nelson Maina’s Journey to Change
For Nelson Maina, a Budget Facilitator and passionate youth advocate in Nyeri County, the fight for youth representation in public finance was deeply personal. Frustrated by the lack of targeted programs for young people in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and budgets, Nelson knew something had to change. “We were being ignored,” he recalls, “and it wasn’t because we didn’t have ideas—it was because there was no structure to prioritize youth issues.”
In 2018, Nelson joined a group of like-minded youth activists to push for a dedicated youth policy.Their initial efforts led to the appointment of a youthful leader in the Department of Gender, Youth, and Social Services, but this was just the beginning. The real challenge lay in creating a formal framework to address youth development. Led by the County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Nelson and his team embarked on a mission to develop the Nyeri County Youth Development Policy. Supported by World Vision Kenya, they held public participation forums across all eight sub-counties in 2021. Governor Mutahi Kahiga personally attended these forums, listening to grievances and brainstorming solutions with young people.
In 2020, Nelson’s dedication to budget advocacy earned him a seat on the Nyeri County Budget and Economic Forum, CBEF, representing youth and civil society organizations. This platform gave him the opportunity to champion youth issues directly within the county’s budgeting process. By April 2022, a draft policy was validated, but election season delayed progress. Finally, in December 2023, the County Assembly approved the policy.
Launched in November 2024, the Nyeri County Youth Development Policy is a groundbreaking achievement that makes Nyeri the third county in Kenya, after Nairobi and Kakamega, to formally address youth development. Nelson reflects on the journey: “This policy is more than just a document—it’s a promise to every young person in Nyeri that their voice matters.”
This victory highlights the power of persistence and collective action. Nelson’s story is a testament to how passion and advocacy can drive systemic change, ensuring that youth are no longer an afterthought in public finance.
For Violet Mbiti, a Budget Facilitator from Machakos County and a key member of NEC Hub, advocacy is about ensuring that every young person has a voice in governance. As the founder of the Violet Mbiti Foundation, she has worked tirelessly at the grassroots to amplify citizens’ voices, particularly advocating for vulnerable and marginalized groups. Her latest triumph? Leading a relentless push for the passage and implementation of the Machakos County Youth Empowerment Policy Act 2022.
Violet’s journey into budget advocacy began when she attended public participation sessions for the Programme-Based Budget for the 2023/2024 financial year. She quickly realized a glaring issue: the budget document lacked clarity on youth priorities. Determined to change this, she mobilized young advocates and formally wrote to the Clerk of the Machakos County Assembly, requesting a meeting with the Youth Committee to discuss the delay in passing the Youth Empowerment Policy Bill 2022.
“I knew we had to act fast,” Violet recalls. “If we didn’t push for the bill, youth concerns would continue to be ignored in county budgets.”
Her efforts gained momentum when the Clerk responded, extending an invitation to engage directly with the Machakos County Assembly Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Welfare. Together with youth-serving organizations from across Machakos, Violet presented critical concerns—budget transparency, youth participation in monitoring government projects, the establishment of a County Youth Fund, and economic empowerment through public procurement opportunities for young people.
One of the biggest wins from the engagement was shining a light on Machakos County’s low ranking in the County Budget Transparency Survey 2022. At position 21 out of 47 counties, Machakos lagged behind its neighbors, Makueni (2nd) and Kitui (5th). “We needed to demand better transparency,” Violet explains. “Without access to crucial budget documents, we couldn’t hold the government accountable for how resources meant for youth were being used.”
Her advocacy efforts, supported by Uraia Trust under the SPARK project, yielded results beyond expectations. The Machakos County Assembly passed the Youth Empowerment Policy Bill 2022, marking a historic moment in youth inclusion. In August 2024, the Machakos County Executive conducted public participation on the Youth Empowerment Policy Act 2022, a step towards ensuring that its provisions are implemented effectively.
Violet’s leadership extends beyond policy wins. She also convenes the Machakos County Budget Champions, a coalition of advocates from religious institutions, civil society organizations, and the media, who champion equitable resource allocation and accountability in public finance. Through this network, she continues to push for further reforms, including the allocation of business spaces for youth with disabilities and stronger enforcement of the Public Finance Management Act’s provision that 30% of procurement opportunities be reserved for youth, women, and Persons with Disabilities.
“We’ve come a long way, but there’s still work to be done,” Violet reflects. “The passage of the Youth Empowerment Policy Act was just the beginning. Now, we must ensure that it is fully implemented and that young people across Machakos County continue to have a seat at the table.”
Her story is a testament to the power of persistence, collaboration and data-driven advocacy in shaping public policy. As a key member of NEC Hub, Violet Mbiti embodies the impact that dedicated budget facilitators can have in transforming governance from the ground up.
Violet Mbiti: A Trailblazer in Budget Advocacy for Youth Empowerment in Machakos County
Juliet Kisilu & Andengah Danpaul: Driving Budget Advocacy Through Peace @Heart Initiatives Network (PHIN)
For Juliet Kisilu and Andengah Danpaul, advocacy is not just a profession—it is a calling. As Budget Facilitators trained under the Uraia/Bajeti Hub Budget Facilitator program, their journey began long before NEC Hub’s formation. In 2011, they co-founded Peace @Heart Initiatives Network (PHIN), a community-based organization with a vision to integrate peacebuilding and development in Kenya.
Juliet and Andengah quickly realized that development could not thrive without financial transparency and public participation. In 2016, PHIN ventured into budget advocacy, training Trainers of Trainers (TOTs) from Mathare Ward under the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK).
Their work led to a groundbreaking achievement—the introduction of a budget line for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the 2016/17 Nairobi County Budget. This success reinforced their belief that communities, when equipped with the right knowledge, could shape county budgets to address their most pressing needs.
Since then, PHIN has continued to lead in budget advocacy, training hundreds of budget champions across Nairobi County. Through research, capacity building, social audits, and creative civic education approaches, Juliet and Andengah have ensured that more citizens engage meaningfully in public finance discussions. Their work with NEC Hub has been instrumental in shaping Nairobi’s budget landscape, influencing key policy decisions, and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups.
“The NEC Hub has provided a powerful platform for us to scale our advocacy efforts,” Juliet reflects. “Through the virtual budget cafés, research collaborations, and strategy sessions, we’ve been able to influence policies that directly impact communities.”Andengah adds, “Our goal is to see a Nairobi where citizens don’t just complain about poor services but actively participate in shaping how resources are allocated. Budget advocacy is about making governance work for the people.”
From Mathare to City Hall, PHIN’s impact continues to grow. Their success story is a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy and the transformative role of informed citizens in public finance.
Empowering Communities in Nyandarua County: Christopher Kuria’s Budget Advocacy Journey
For Christopher Kuria, the Budget Facilitator for Nyandarua County, budget advocacy is more than just a responsibility—it is a passion-driven mission to push for transparency, accountability and meaningful public participation. His journey began with a strong foundation in youth empowerment and advocacy for sexual reproductive health and rights. However, he quickly realized that many of the challenges his community faced were rooted in a deeper issue: a lack of awareness and participation in budget processes.
When Chris first attended budget engagement forums as a youth champion, he was struck by the glaring gaps. Public participation forums were poorly attended and in some cases, they didn’t happen at all. Even when citizens did show up, their voices were often lost in the bureaucratic jargon and predetermined agendas that left little room for real community-driven discussions. The result? Misallocated resources, poor service delivery, and projects that didn’t align with the needs of the people.
Determined to change this, Chris underwent comprehensive training through Bajeti Hub’s budget facilitator program and NEC Hub’s virtual budget cafes, equipping him with the skills to navigate and influence county budget processes. Armed with knowledge and a new sense of purpose, he mobilized a network of budget champions across Nyandarua County. Through targeted capacity-building initiatives and peer-learning sessions, he empowered community members with an understanding of the budget-making process and how to engage meaningfully in public participation.
The impact of his efforts has been transformative. Today, Chris leads a community of over 75 active budget champions in Nyandarua. This structured network of informed citizens now participates actively in budget forums, raising critical issues and advocating for transparency. Their presence has pressured county officials to adopt more inclusive and participatory approaches to budgeting. One of the key milestones in this journey was engaging Nyandarua’s economic planning department to find actionable solutions for improving budget transparency. This dialogue set the stage for greater openness and better alignment between public resources and community needs.
Through his leadership at Action for Community Development Center (ACDC), a local community-based organization he founded, Chris envisions scaling up these efforts. His goal is to ensure that every sub-county in Nyandarua has trained budget champions who can effectively advocate for their communities. Additionally, he plans to strengthen partnerships with civic organizations, government institutions and youth networks to institutionalize budget advocacy at all levels.
“Budget advocacy is not just about pushing for numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about making sure every shilling works for the people,” Chris reflects. “When citizens understand and engage in the budget process, real change happens.”
Chris’s journey underscores the power of grassroots advocacy and the role of informed citizens in shaping governance. His work stands as a beacon of how one person’s dedication can ignite a movement for transparency and accountability.
Bridging the Gap through Disability Advocacy in Kiambu County: Isaiah Onyango’s Story
For Isaiah Onyango, a Budget Facilitator from Kiambu County, the fight for accessible healthcare for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) was a deeply personal mission. His journey began at Uthiru Dispensary, where he was confronted with the harsh realities faced by PWDs. The roads leading to the facility were treacherous for those with mobility challenges, and the lack of ramps, accessible restrooms, and a Disability Help Desk left many patients feeling isolated and unsupported. The communication barriers were equally disheartening, with no sign language interpreter to bridge the gap between deaf patients and healthcare providers. “Every time I saw patients struggle to communicate or access care, it fueled my determination to make a change,” Isaiah recalls.
Isaiah’s advocacy took a pivotal turn when he formed the Kiambu Budget Cell, a community platform dedicated to disability mainstreaming and improving healthcare services. Armed with skills from NEC Hub’s training in budget analysis and policy engagement, Isaiah and his team meticulously identified the critical gaps in Uthiru Dispensary’s infrastructure and services. “It was clear that PWDs were not just underserved—they were completely overlooked,” he says.
The Budget Cell’s advocacy gained momentum during an inspection of the new Uthiru Level 3 facility under construction. Isaiah and his colleagues boldly pushed for the inclusion of key accessibility features. Although their request for a lift was denied due to budgetary constraints, their persistence ensured the inclusion of ramps—a significant step forward. The county government also committed to establishing a dedicated Disability Help Desk at the facility, a move that Isaiah views as a game-changer. “This desk will be a lifeline for PWDs, offering them the support they’ve always deserved,” he notes.
Another milestone was achieved when Isaiah advocated for training Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and healthcare providers in sign language interpretation. “Breaking the communication barrier was non-negotiable,” he asserts. The new facility, once operational, will include widened doorways, accessible restrooms, and disability sensitivity training for staff, creating a more welcoming environment for all patients.
For Isaiah, the journey is far from over. The improvements at Uthiru Dispensary and the passage of the Kiambu County Persons with Disabilities Act are just the beginning. “We’ve shown what’s possible when you combine data-driven advocacy with passion and persistence,” he reflects. The ripple effects of this work are already visible, from increased budget allocations for disability programs to a growing recognition of PWDs as active contributors to societal progress.
Isaiah’s story is a testament to the power of inclusive advocacy. It underscores how one person’s determination can spark systemic change, setting a precedent for other counties to follow. “We’re not just bridging gaps—we’re building a foundation for a more inclusive future,” he concludes.
Transformative Healthcare Advocacy: Peggy Masambu and Godfrey Ngamau’s Journey to Gataka Health Center’s Success
For Peggy Masambu and Godfrey Ngamau, Budget Champions from Kajiado County, the story of Gataka Health Center is a personal achievement. As active members of NEC Hub, both champions have been on a transformative journey of learning and advocacy, with virtual budget cafés playing a pivotal role in their success. “The virtual sessions gave us the tools we needed to connect community priorities with county budgets,” Peggy recalls. “They were our lightbulb moments.”
The Gataka Health Center, also known as G-City Health Center, is now a lifeline for a rural-urban population of over 100,000 people in Nkaimurunya Ward, Kajiado North Sub-County. But the journey to this milestone began with challenges. “Before this facility, expectant mothers had to travel for hours for basic antenatal care,” Godfrey explains. “We knew something had to change.”
The NEC Hub’s virtual budget cafés empowered Peggy and Godfrey to mobilize their community and hold the county government accountable. Drawing on insights from the sessions, they organized training forums and community dialogues to highlight the urgent need for accessible healthcare.
They worked closely with local leaders and a county public participation officer, leveraging the Kajiado County Community Health Service Bill to align the community’s priorities with the county’s health budget.
Their efforts bore fruit with the construction of the Gataka Health Center, a Level 3 facility that now provides essential services, including antenatal care (ANC), mother and child health (MCH), and comprehensive care (CCC). The center serves an average of 300 patients daily and features a 10-bed maternity unit. “Seeing this facility come to life felt like a dream,” Peggy says. “It was proof that when a community comes together, anything is possible.”
The introduction of Taifa Care further enhanced the center’s impact, bringing universal healthcare closer to reality. Patients now travel from neighboring areas, including Oloolua, Olkeri, Rongai and even Karen Ward in Nairobi, to access services at Gataka Health Center. “We’re no longer just serving our ward,” Godfrey notes. “This is a regional facility, and it’s a testament to what advocacy can achieve.”
Peggy and Godfrey’s advocacy didn’t stop at construction. They actively worked to ensure the facility remained well-stocked with essential medicines and adequately staffed. They also championed the training of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to meet the needs of diverse patients, reflecting the center’s inclusive approach. “We’ve seen how healthcare can transform lives,” Peggy reflects. “And we’re not done yet.”
This success story underscores the transformative power of informed advocacy and community collaboration. For Peggy and Godfrey, it’s a reminder that every voice matters and that real change begins with a shared vision and persistent action.