These Change Leaders are amplifying diverse issues spanning education, environment and health
On December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris, marking a historic milestone by establishing fundamental human rights to be universally protected. This day has since been commemorated annually as Human Rights Day, celebrating the principles enshrined in the UDHR.
This year’s theme, ‘Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,’ highlights the urgent need to uphold human rights for an equitable future. It is also an opportune moment to spotlight Nguvu Change Leaders who are championing human rights with their tireless work and courageous voices.
1. Deborah Monari
A nurse by profession, Deborah Monari was in for a rude shock when the healthcare system she had served dismissed her severe symptoms as panic attacks. A life-threatening brain tumour was discovered only when she sought treatment in India. Being a survivor of medical malpractice and negligence, Deborah is now a passionate advocate for patient rights. She is campaigning for the establishment of Patient Rights Committees and the provision of free, dignified maternal care in all healthcare institutions to ensure equitable access to safe, reliable healthcare for all. Through her online petitions on patients’ rights and the return of the Linda Mama programme, she urges the Ministry of Health to implement these crucial mechanisms in Kenya’s health system.
2. Synthia Mideva Asienwa
Synthia Asienwa is a teacher and firmly believes that affordable education should be made accessible for all. Hailing from a humble household, she was able to complete her academic journey only with the help of a scholarship from the Equity Group Foundation and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). She has filed online petitions, rallying public support to reject the university funding model proposed by the Education Reforms Committee. This, according to her, can undermine access to affordable university education. In another campaign, Synthia is urging the government to supply adequate digital devices to facilitate the Competency-Based Curriculum and to hire qualified and sufficient faculty for Junior Secondary Schools.
3. Nellie Chepkemoi
Nellie Chepkemoi, a passionate advocate for gender equity and women’s empowerment, hails from the Maasai pastoralist community. She is committed to amplifying the voices of marginalised groups and ensuring women’s representation in traditionally male-dominated fields. Women’s participation in governance and decision-making processes in Kenya remains significantly low, falling short of the constitutionally mandated 33 per cent. Nellie believes that this further marginalises women, hindering progress toward social and gender inclusivity. Through her initiatives, Nellie is also actively promoting youth involvement in governance.
4. Evans Odhiambo Oketch
Evans Odhiambo, an aspiring scientist, is championing environmental conservation, human rights and corporate accountability. His online petition ‘Stop Industrial Toxins from Poisoning Lake Victoria’s Fish & Ruining Fisher Women’s Health’, addresses these critical issues. Evans launched the initiative upon discovering the devastating impact of industrial pollutants on Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. The contamination has decimated fish populations and severely affected the health of local communities, particularly women, who constitute nearly 80 per cent of those dependent on fishing for their livelihood.
5. Mercy Mwende
Mercy Mwende, an automotive engineer from Meru County, faced significant challenges after completing her diploma, enduring three years without job opportunities due to repeated rejections in her search for internships. This experience was a revelation, bringing to light the persistent gender disparities in skill-based industries, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, where women remain underrepresented.
Determined to address this issue, Mercy is now actively advocating for youth inclusion, and urging systemic changes to ensure greater participation of women in STEM-related sectors. Through her online petition, she has called upon the Ministry of Gender, the Ministry of Labour, the National Assembly, and the Public Service Board to establish a fully funded board focused on improving internship and employment opportunities for women and girls in STEM across Kenya.