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Brenda Bakobye

@brendabakobye

Message

Public health leader driving youth-centered SRHR and HIV programs with proven systems-strengthening impact.

Kenya

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek senior roles in youth-centered public health programs where I can lead program design, strengthen systems, mobilize resources, and amplify youth voice.

I am an experienced public health professional specializing in adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and HIV programming across low- and middle-income contexts. I combine program development, implementation, and evaluation expertise with strong advocacy for youth representation at national, regional, and global levels.

As CEO of a national youth-led network, I lead organizational development and systems-strengthening initiatives, mobilize resources, and build partnerships with government and major health institutions to expand access to SRHR and HIV services for young people.

Previously, as Head of Programmes, I designed and implemented evidence-based, youth-centered interventions, managed donor grants, and led community-based participatory research that directly informed program design and policy engagement. I champion participatory methods and youth-led accountability to improve equity and service delivery.

I bring practical skills in financial and change management, capacity strengthening, and co-creation of service delivery guidelines with ministries. I am committed to sustainable, youth-centred solutions that elevate marginalized young people and strengthen systems for lasting health impact.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Chief Executive Officer

Current

Organization of Young People Living with HIV (Y+ Kenya)

Jun 2024 - Present (1 year 3 months)

Provides executive leadership for a national network of 20 youth-led CSOs, mobilized partnerships with donors and government to expand HIV prevention, care, and SRHR services, and led an ODSS initiative benefiting 70+ youth leaders to strengthen governance and financial management.

Leadership Program Development Stakeholder Engagement Resource Mobilization Organizational Development Financial Management Monitoring & Evaluation Youth Advocacy

Head of Programmes

Y+ Kenya

Jan 2021 - May 2024 (3 years 4 months)

Designed and managed youth-centered SRHR and HIV programs for AGYW in informal settlements, led community-based participatory research to inform program adaptation, and managed a US$30,000 donor grant with full compliance and reporting.

Program Management Grant Management HIV Programming Donor Reporting Social Accountability

Young Person Representative

Global Fund Writing Team

Jan 2020 - Dec 2021 (1 year 11 months)

Led youth-responsive consultations across countries to identify priorities and integrate marginalized adolescents' needs into Global Fund proposals and national HIV strategic frameworks.

Advocacy Proposal Development Youth Engagement Cross Country Coordination

Youth Advocate

UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel Kenya

Jan 2019 - Dec 2021 (2 years 11 months)

Advised UNFPA on adolescent SRHR priorities, promoted meaningful youth involvement in policy and program design, and facilitated dissemination of best practices for youth-centered interventions.

Youth Advocacy Knowledge Sharing Stakeholder Engagement Programmatic Guidance

Youth Advocate

AMREF – Youth in Action

Jan 2016 - Dec 2018 (2 years 11 months)

Supported SRHR project implementation with county governments, integrated gender equity approaches for young women and key populations, and conducted program evaluations to improve effectiveness.

Program Evaluation Community Engagement

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Brunel University London

Master of Public Health and Social Justice, Public Health and Social Justice

2023 -

Pursuing a Master of Public Health and Social Justice with coursework including Global Public Health, Social Justice and Health, Research Methods, Leadership and Change for Public Health, and Health Policy.