A Year of Action, Innovation, and Community Impact

As Stowelink Foundation enters 2026, the organization continues to strengthen its commitment to tackling non communicable diseases and advancing public health innovation across Kenya and beyond. Founded by public health advocate Ogweno Stephen, Stowelink has built a reputation for combining digital innovation, research, and community engagement to address some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

Over the years, Stowelink has reached millions through digital health platforms, education programs, and advocacy initiatives. In 2026, the organization is expanding this work through several strategic projects that focus on awareness, policy engagement, and community driven health solutions.

Elevating Lived Experience in Obesity Awareness

One of the key initiatives for 2026 is an obesity focused project that places lived experience at the center of the conversation. While obesity continues to rise globally and across Africa, conversations about it often fail to include the voices of people directly affected.

This project aims to change that by amplifying real stories, building understanding, and strengthening community education around obesity and healthy living. The initiative will also include training programs that equip advocates, community leaders, and health professionals with the knowledge and tools to address obesity through compassionate, evidence based approaches.

By connecting lived experience with public health education, Stowelink hopes to foster greater empathy, awareness, and action around one of the fastest growing health challenges in the region.

Expanding Tobacco Advocacy Monitoring and Research

Stowelink will also expand its Tobacco Industry Interference Digital Watch Initiative. This project focuses on monitoring tobacco industry tactics, tracking misinformation, and supporting evidence based advocacy.

Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death globally. In Kenya and across Africa, the tobacco industry continues to deploy sophisticated marketing and influence strategies that undermine public health policies.

Through this initiative, Stowelink’s research and advocacy teams will strengthen monitoring systems, document industry interference, and support civil society efforts to hold harmful practices accountable. The expansion builds on earlier work that has already helped expose misleading narratives and promote transparency in tobacco control discussions.

Making Public Policy Easier to Understand

Another exciting initiative for 2026 focuses on a simple but powerful idea. Public policy should be understandable to everyone.

Many health policies contain valuable protections and opportunities, but they are often written in technical language that is difficult for the general public to engage with. Stowelink is launching a digital policy breakdown project designed to translate complex policy frameworks into clear, accessible formats.

Using digital storytelling, short explainers, and simplified policy summaries, the project will help citizens understand how policies affect their daily lives. From nutrition policies to tobacco regulation, these digestible resources will empower people to participate more meaningfully in public health conversations.

Community Screening and Youth Engagement

Stowelink will also expand its community outreach work through a screening campaign that aims to improve early detection of non communicable diseases. These activities will bring health education and screening opportunities directly into communities, helping individuals learn more about their health and connect with appropriate services.

In addition, the organization is exploring the possibility of convening a youth focused public health conference. The goal is to create a platform where young leaders, researchers, and advocates can exchange ideas, build partnerships, and contribute to shaping the future of health systems in Africa.

Together, these initiatives reflect Stowelink’s continued commitment to combining innovation, education, and community action to create lasting public health impact.