Edward Sakwa
Edward Sakwa is a dedicated and accomplished professional who currently serves as the Public Relations Officer for Stretchers Youth Organization. With an unwavering commitment to community engagement and development, Sakwa has carved a notable path in the realm of youth empowerment and policy advocacy.
With over 11 years of hands-on experience in community work, Edward Sakwa has emerged as a pivotal leader, consistently guiding and empowering young people while actively influencing policy formulation.
Sakwa's sphere of influence extends beyond grassroots initiatives and delves deeply into the domain of policy development. His substantial contributions span county, national, and regional levels, imprinting an indelible mark on key policy initiatives. Notably, he played a central role in shaping the Mombasa County Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism 2017-2022 (MCAP-PCVE) along with its implementation strategy. His active involvement in the formulation of the Mombasa County Adolescents and Youth People Strategy on HIV and Sexual Reproductive Health, as well as the Mombasa County Youth Development Policy, stands as a testament to his dedication to enhancing meaningful youth engagement in policy and decision-making arenas. Sakwa's efforts have effectively cultivated youth participation in governance and community affairs, creating a robust platform for the voices of young individuals to be both heard and respected.
In 2019, Edward Sakwa played a pivotal role in mediating a strained relationship between BodaBoda Youth Leaders and Security Actors, showcasing his exceptional communication skills. Through skillful facilitation, he initiated dialogues that bridged divides and brought these opposing sides to the negotiation table, ultimately fostering discussions that led to a remarkable improvement in their relationships. This achievement has resulted in numerous BodaBoda youth leaders now occupying influential positions on various security and decision-making platforms, attesting to Sakwa's ability to engender lasting positive change.
Beyond the borders of his home nation, Edward Sakwa's impact resonates through international initiatives. Notably, he participated in the Youth Participate Exchange Program under Youth Alive Kenya, making significant contributions to the development of a comprehensive Youth Situation Analysis Report for Zimbabwe. His work with the Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) further underscores his dedication to fostering positive change across borders.
In 2022, Sakwa played a crucial role in mobilizing and empowering youth across Kenya's coastal region, providing indispensable support as they sought various elective positions. His efforts bore fruit, with numerous youths successfully elected to serve in diverse counties, a testament to Sakwa's unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.
Sakwa's background in communication has been a cornerstone of his career. His exceptional ability to develop captivating communication materials has been instrumental in leading successful campaigns that have amplified the global profile of his organization. His prowess in crafting digital Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, coupled with his adeptness in social media management, scriptwriting, production, and directing, has played an indispensable role in effectively disseminating crucial messages to diverse audiences.
Sakwa's quest for excellence is evident through his participation in the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), where he was a distinguished member of cohort 35, focusing on Civic Leadership. Outside his professional pursuits, Edward Sakwa finds fulfillment in exploring the world, engaging in activities such as skating, and dedicating time to mentor adolescents and young individuals.