Empowering Youth,
Strengthening Democracy
In 2025, Kwacha Afrika reached over 120,000 citizens, trained 115 youth leaders in civic engagement, and achieved a historic breakthrough: securing County Assembly commitment to fast-track a seven-year stalled Youth Policy.
Executive Summary
Youth Participation, Service Delivery, and Good Governance in Kilifi and Mombasa Counties
Context and Background
The Coast Region of Kenya, comprising Kilifi and Mombasa counties, has historically faced significant challenges in youth participation, service delivery accountability, and institutional governance. With a combined population of approximately 2.2 million people, over 65% of whom are under 35 years old, the region represents a critical demographic opportunity for democratic transformation and sustainable development.
Youth engagement in governance processes has remained limited, with young people largely excluded from decision-making forums, policy development, and accountability mechanisms. In Mombasa County, rapid urbanization and migration have created complex governance challenges, particularly in informal settlements where service delivery gaps are most acute. Kilifi County, characterized by a more dispersed rural population, has faced distinct governance challenges with limited access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
2025 Youth Engagement Landscape
Kilifi County
- • 8,100 direct youth beneficiaries
- • 3.5M+ indirect reach
- • 30 advocacy champions trained
- • 1,000 young women engaged
- • 49% female participation
- • 85% youth focus
Mombasa County
- • 1,633 direct beneficiaries
- • 60,000+ indirect reach
- • 115 youth leaders trained
- • 420+ citizens in forums
- • 52% female participation
- • 78% youth focus
Service Delivery Improvements
Kilifi County Achievements
- ✓ The formation and empowerment of the Marafa Social Audit Team (MSAT)
- ✓ Social Accountability and Maternal Health Rights,by building advocacy capacity of women and youths.
- ✓ Building Alliances with the County Government: This partnership was essential for creating the political will necessary for youth inclusion in governance
- ✓ Empowered Youth Networks: Kwacha Afrika has nurtured a vibrant network of empowered youth, including the Activistas and the Marafa Social Audit Team (MSAT), who are equipped with the skills and knowledge to continue advocating for their rights and holding their leaders accountable.
Mombasa County Achievements
- ✓ Improved service delivery at Utange Level Four health facility with under-5 free treatment and two community health promoter units
- ✓ Enhanced youth engagement through basketball pitch construction at Timbwani, Likoni sub-county
- ✓ Blue economy sector strengthened with 300 fishermen supported through Beach Management Units with fishing vessels
- ✓ Improved drainage systems in Shika Adabu and Timbwani wards addressing sewerage challenges
- ✓ Isolation centre established at Utange Level Four facility for contagious disease management
Good Governance and Institutional Change
Historic Breakthrough: County Assembly Commitment to Fast-Track Seven-Year Stalled Youth Policy
The Paza Sauti Initiative's strategic escalation to county legislative oversight resulted in unprecedented institutional recognition of youth as legitimate policy actors. This represents a fundamental shift in governance dynamics.
Ajenda Yetu Coalition Impact
- • 10 CSO partners coordinated
- • 6 dialogue forums conducted
- • 360 citizens reached
- • Citizen Manifesto developed
- • 2027 electoral accountability framework
Network Strength
- • 187+ member organizations
- • 6 coastal counties covered
- • 6 thematic clusters active
- • Coordinated advocacy approach
- • Systemic issue focus
Key Insights
Youth Participation is Not Apathy—It's Exclusion
When young people are provided with platforms, resources, and genuine opportunities to influence decisions, they respond with remarkable commitment and strategic thinking.
Gender Inclusion Strengthens Democracy
With 52% female participation in Mombasa and 49% in Kilifi, women's leadership has proven essential for effective governance and community accountability.
Coalition Approaches Multiply Impact
The Ajenda Yetu Initiative demonstrated that coordinated civil society action strengthens democratic institutions and amplifies citizen voice in governance.
Service Delivery is a Gateway to Governance
Strategic focus on accountability for healthcare, water, and security created entry points for youth engagement in broader governance processes.
Looking Forward
The 2025 data demonstrates that youth participation, when strategically mobilized and supported by institutional partnerships, can drive tangible improvements in service delivery and governance. The combined reach of 120,000+ citizens, with strong female participation and youth focus, reflects a demographic shift toward inclusive democratic participation. As the Coast Region moves toward 2027 elections, the foundation laid in 2025 positions youth and civil society to play an enhanced role in electoral accountability and democratic governance.
Message from the Executive Director
"Building a Democracy Where Youth Lead"
It is with great pride and deep gratitude that I present this forward statement reflecting on Kwacha Afrika's work and achievements in 2025. This year has been defined by hard work, strategic focus, and a shared commitment to strengthening civic participation, accountability, and youth leadership across Mombasa and Kilifi sub-counties. The year 2025 marked a significant milestone in our journey as an organization committed to inclusive governance and active citizenship.
Through collaboration, resilience, and innovation, we successfully implemented our programs, achieving results that have strengthened community engagement and amplified the voices of young people. These accomplishments are a testament to what can be achieved when vision is matched with dedication and collective effort.
Gratitude to Our Valued Partners
We extend our sincere gratitude to our valued partners whose generous support made our initiatives possible. We are deeply thankful to ForumCiv for their continued commitment to advancing democratic values and civic space. Their support has enabled us to deepen our community outreach and capacity-building efforts. We are equally grateful to Uraia Trust for standing with us in promoting civic education and citizen empowerment, particularly among marginalized groups.
Additionally, we recognize the important role played by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), whose partnership strengthened our policy engagement and advocacy work, ensuring that community voices are represented in governance processes. The confidence and resources provided by these partners have been instrumental in delivering impactful programs throughout the year.
Youth at the Heart of Our Mission
Our work in Mombasa and Kilifi sub-counties has centered on empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their communities. The youth remain at the heart of Kwacha's mission. Throughout 2025, we facilitated forums, training sessions, and community dialogues designed to enhance leadership skills, increase awareness of governance structures, and encourage constructive participation in decision-making processes.
The enthusiasm, creativity, and resilience demonstrated by young people have been both inspiring and encouraging. Their willingness to step forward, ask critical questions, and collaborate across diverse backgrounds gives us confidence in the future of our counties and our nation.
Community Engagement as a Cornerstone
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of our approach. We have worked closely with grassroots leaders, civil society actors, and local institutions to ensure that our programs are responsive to real community needs. By fostering open dialogue between citizens and duty-bearers, we have contributed to greater transparency and accountability at the local level.
In both Mombasa and Kilifi, community members have shown increased awareness of their rights and responsibilities, as well as a stronger readiness to engage constructively with governance structures.
Navigating Challenges with Resilience
This year has not been without challenges. Operating within dynamic social and economic environments requires adaptability and perseverance. However, our team remained focused and united in purpose. Through careful planning, consistent monitoring, and collaborative problem-solving, we navigated obstacles while maintaining the quality and integrity of our work.
The dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners ensured that our programs were implemented effectively and within the intended timelines.
Witnessing Tangible Impact
One of the most rewarding aspects of 2025 has been witnessing the tangible impact of our initiatives. From youth-led advocacy efforts to community-driven dialogues on public participation, the change has been visible. Young leaders who participated in our programs have gone on to initiate their own community projects, demonstrating the multiplier effect of empowerment.
This ripple effect is precisely what Kwacha strives to achieve—building capacity that extends beyond individual trainings and continues to influence communities long after a program cycle ends.
The Power of Collaboration and Partnership
We also recognize that our success is deeply rooted in collaboration. The spirit of partnership has strengthened our institutional capacity and expanded our reach. By working alongside like-minded organizations and community stakeholders, we have leveraged shared expertise and resources to maximize impact. Our partners have not only provided financial support but also technical guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for learning and exchange.
Recognition and Appreciation
To the community members of Mombasa and Kilifi sub-counties, we extend our heartfelt appreciation. Your trust, participation, and openness have made our work meaningful. The young people, in particular, deserve special recognition.
Your energy and commitment to positive change continue to inspire us. You have demonstrated that youth are not merely beneficiaries of development programs but powerful agents of transformation.
Looking Forward with Renewed Commitment
As we move forward, we remain committed to strengthening democratic engagement, promoting inclusive dialogue, and supporting youth-led initiatives. The lessons learned in 2025 will inform our strategies in the coming years. We will continue to build on the strong foundation established this year, refining our approaches and expanding our impact.
In closing, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this year's success—our partners, our dedicated team, community leaders, and especially the young people who embraced our programs with enthusiasm and determination. It has indeed been a year of hard work and focus. Together, we have demonstrated that meaningful change is possible when communities unite around shared goals.
On behalf of Kwacha Afrika, I express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and collaboration. We look ahead with optimism and renewed commitment, confident that our collective efforts will continue to foster empowered communities and responsible leadership in the years to come.
Thank you all for your efforts and for believing in our shared vision.
Evans Kasena
Executive Director, Kwacha Afrika
February 2026
2025 Impact at a Glance
Through strategic partnerships and community-centered interventions, Kwacha Afrika achieved significant outcomes in youth empowerment, service delivery, and democratic participation.
Direct Beneficiaries
9.3K+
Total Reach (Direct & Indirect)
3.6M+
Policy Breakthrough
7-Year
Stalled Policy
Projects Implemented
4
Beneficiaries by Project
Gender Breakdown of Beneficiaries
Impact Areas
Gender-Disaggregated Beneficiary Data
4,648
Female Beneficiaries
(49.9%)
4,665
Male Beneficiaries
(50.1%)
70+
Persons with Disabilities
10+
Community Groups
Coast Civil Society Network Reach
Kwacha Afrika operates as a founding member of the Coast Civil Society Network for Human Rights, coordinating with 187+ organizations across six coastal counties to advance human rights, democratic governance, and inclusive participation.
Ajenda Yetu Initiative: Coalition Leadership for Democratic Accountability
Kwacha Afrika is a founding member of the Coast Civil Society Network for Human Rights, a coalition of 187+ member organizations across six coastal counties advancing human rights and good governance. In 2025, Kwacha Afrika convened network members to implement the Ajenda Yetu Initiative in partnership with Uraia Trust, focusing on citizen-led democratic engagement and electoral accountability. Ten civil society organizations collaborated in this coalition effort to strengthen democratic participation through 2027.
1Sub-County & County Level Dialogue Forums
Convened 6 separate half-day forums targeting 360 citizens in Mombasa County. Facilitated citizen-led dialogue to inform citizen charters and amplify voices in governance. County Assembly validation forum reached 60 citizens to merge and validate 6 Sub-County Priority Reports into the final Citizen Manifesto/Charter.
2Citizens Elections Watch Series
Rolled out an interactive civic engagement platform to promote electoral transparency, public awareness, and accountability leading up to the 2027 general elections. Established mechanisms for sustained electoral monitoring and citizen engagement throughout the electoral cycle.
3Media & Digital Advocacy Campaigns
Implemented a robust media and digital strategy to enhance visibility and impact of citizen-led, issue-based political engagement through local radio and digital platforms, reaching thousands of citizens across the coastal region.
4CSO Coalition Advocacy Action Plan
Developed a comprehensive advocacy action plan to guide coalition engagement throughout the electoral cycle. Established thematic priorities and implementation mechanisms for sustained coordination across member organizations.
Coalition Impact: Through the Ajenda Yetu Initiative, Kwacha Afrika demonstrated the power of coordinated civil society action, bringing together 10 organizations and mobilizing 420+ citizens through dialogue forums to create a unified platform for citizen-led political engagement and establish mechanisms for sustained electoral accountability through 2027.
6
187+
33.6K+
Mombasa County
Primary hub for Kwacha Afrika operations with focus on youth civic engagement and healthcare accountability.
Active Initiatives
Key Initiatives
- •Youth Policy Advocacy
- •Healthcare Facility Transformation
- •Citizen Manifesto Development
All Counties
Network Overview
The Coast Civil Society Network for Human Rights operates across six coastal counties, coordinating the work of 187+ member organizations in advancing human rights, democratic governance, and inclusive participation. The network operates through thematic clusters including Governance & Accountability, Peace & Security, Land and Natural Resources, Gender & Health, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Strategic Focus: Strengthening civic agency, defending civic space, promoting inclusion of marginalized groups, and enhancing accountability in governance processes—with particular emphasis on the 2027 general elections as a critical entry point for democratic consolidation.
Our Projects in 2025
Funded by five major partners, we implemented comprehensive initiatives across Mombasa County.
Youth Power Initiative
Forum Civ & Embassy of Sweden In Kenya
Paza Sauti Initiative
Swahili Pot Hub & Imaginable Futures
Tuyazungumuze Community Initiative
Uraia Trust & Embassy of Denmark in Kenya- DANIDA
KISP Program
Institute of Economic Affairs
County Impact Analysis
Detailed comparison of project implementation and outcomes across Mombasa and Kilifi counties.
County Impact Comparison
Comparative analysis of Kwacha Afrika's project implementation and impact across Mombasa and Kilifi counties in 2025.
Mombasa County
Active Projects
4
Direct Beneficiaries
8.6K
Indirect Reach
60K
Youth Focus
78%
Kilifi County
Active Projects
1
Direct Beneficiaries
8.1K
Indirect Reach
3.5M
Youth Focus
85%
Beneficiary Reach Comparison
- Direct Beneficiaries
- Indirect Reach
Mombasa County Reach
Kilifi County Reach
Key Insights
Comparable Direct Impact
Both counties reached approximately 8,600 and 8,100 direct beneficiaries respectively, demonstrating balanced implementation capacity.
Kilifi's Multiplier Effect
Kilifi's Youth Power Initiative achieved 3.5M indirect reach through social media and community networks, far exceeding direct beneficiary numbers.
Youth-Centric Approach
Both counties prioritize youth engagement (78-85%), reflecting Kwacha Afrika's core mission of empowering young leaders for democratic change.
Stories of Change
Real people, real impact. These stories demonstrate the transformative power of civic empowerment and community action.
"We had energy, ideas, and passion, but very few platforms to express them or understand how governance works."
Collins Shake
Youth Leader, Junda Ward
Paza Sauti Initiative
Collins transformed from a frustrated bystander to a competent civic leader through the Paza Sauti Initiative. He progressed through policy advocacy training, co-created the Youth Advocacy Roadmap, and learned to interrogate budget documents. Today, he regularly accesses and interrogates key policy and budget documents, and has established regular dialogue sessions with youth groups in Junda Ward, teaching them to track budgets line-by-line.
Impact: From spectator to architect of accountability
Read Full Story →
"When communities come together and present needs with clear evidence and a united voice, change happens."
Joyce Dama
Community Scorecard Team Member
Tuyazungumuze Initiative
Joyce was part of the Community Scorecard team that assessed healthcare services at Utange Dispensary. Through systematic documentation of service delivery gaps, the team's evidence-based advocacy catalyzed the transformation of the dispensary into a Level 4 referral hospital with modern facilities, maternity wing, dialysis unit, and youth-friendly center.
Impact: Healthcare transformation through community action
Read Full Story →
"Healthcare is not just about medicine—it's about dignity. Today, our hospital offers dignified healthcare to all."
Dr. Hadija
Hospital Superintendent
Tuyazungumuze Initiative
Dr. Hadija witnessed the transformation of her facility from a struggling dispensary with staff shortages and inadequate resources to a comprehensive referral hospital. The community engagement process revealed critical gaps and mobilized government action, resulting in modern infrastructure, expanded services, and enhanced security.
Impact: Institutional transformation through accountability
Read Full Story →
"I was afraid and lacked confidence to engage duty bearers in matters development and artists' opportunities in county government. But since I started engaging in Kwacha Afrika's governance initiatives using arts, I have been able to address pressing issues affecting artists with the duty bearers."
Brack Mustafa
Music Artist & Cultural Leader
Youth Power Initiative, Kilifi County
Brack Mustafa, a talented music artist from Kilifi County, discovered his voice as a civic leader through the Youth Power Initiative. Initially hesitant to engage with government officials, Brack leveraged his artistic talents to communicate governance issues and advocate for artists' rights. Through Kwacha Afrika's arts-based advocacy approach, he has successfully raised awareness about issues affecting the creative sector and established direct dialogue channels with county government officials responsible for culture and creative industries.
Impact: Arts as a powerful tool for civic engagement and advocacy
Read Full Story →
Key Learnings & Recommendations
Insights from our 2025 work to guide future advocacy and community engagement efforts.
Key Learnings from 2025
Escalation to Legislative Oversight is High-Impact
Engaging the County Assembly Committee's constitutional oversight function proved highly effective for bypassing Executive bottlenecks. This strategy should be prioritized in future policy advocacy campaigns.
Process-Oriented Capacity Building Yields Sustainable Results
Investing time in how activities are conducted—not just completing them—builds confident, competent teams with deeper understanding. This approach creates stronger foundations for long-term project success.
Community Evidence + United Voice = Change
When communities present needs with clear evidence and a united voice, duty bearers respond. The Community Scorecard Initiative demonstrated that systematic documentation of service delivery gaps compels government action.
Strategic Partnerships Amplify Impact
Strong collaboration among CSOs, government agencies, and community representatives fosters shared responsibility, quick feedback, and synergistic outcomes. Multi-stakeholder forums proved highly effective.
Youth as Strategic Actors, Not Just Beneficiaries
When youth are equipped with knowledge, strategic roadmaps, and institutional access, they become unstoppable architects of change. Youth demonstrated sophisticated understanding of political processes and institutional hierarchy.
Digital Platforms Extend Reach Beyond Physical Limitations
Social media (Facebook Live, X-Spaces, WhatsApp) enabled engagement with youth and stakeholders who couldn't attend physical meetings, particularly important for sustained engagement beyond project completion.
Strategic Priorities for 2026
Youth Policy Implementation Monitoring
Track County Assembly's follow-through on commitment to fast-track Youth Policy; ensure legislative motion is tabled and voted on
Budget Advocacy Lab Expansion
Scale intensive budget analysis training for select cohorts of high-potential youth and civic champions
Digital Platform Advocacy
Continue pressing county government to establish transparent, real-time access to budget and policy documents
Service Delivery Monitoring Institutionalization
Embed Community Scorecard processes within permanent governance structures to ensure sustained accountability
Organizational Capacity Consolidation
Complete financial systems modernization and staff competency development to ensure long-term sustainability
Partnership Deepening
Strengthen collaborations with existing funders and explore new partnerships for resource mobilization
Challenges & Solutions
Knowledge Gaps
Develop foundational "Policy 101" pre-modules before advanced training
Digital Divide
Advocate for digital platforms; provide printed materials for offline access
Political Instability
Prioritize legislative oversight; use evidence-based approaches
2025 At A Glance
Through The Lenses
Click to view
Sanaa Kipawa Initiative
Film production training session
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Tuyazungumuze Community Initiative
Thespians performing at a skit during a community engagement session in Nyali
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Sanaa Kipawa Initiative
Film production practical session
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Tuyazungumuze Community Initiative
Thespians performing a choral verse during a community engagement session in Likoni
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Paza Sauti Initiative
Youth County budget forum
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Sanaa Kipawa Initiative
Theatre training session
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Youth Power Initiative
An Artist performing at Marerereni talent show on good governance
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Nyali Sub-County
County budget session in Nyali subcounty
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Service Delivery Sustainability Forum
Service delivery sustainability forum in Mombasa
Click to view
Youth Power Initiative
Malindi youth extravaganza
Click to view
Ajenda Yetu Initiative
Johnston Kalama, Kwacha Afrika governance program officer taking members of Coast CSOs Network through the Ajenda Yetu Initiative program
11
Activity Highlights
5
Major Initiatives
2
Counties Covered
Get the Full Report
Download our comprehensive 2025 Annual Report with detailed project breakdowns, financial summaries, and strategic recommendations for 2026.