Bob Bogonko: Touching lives one day at a time

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I am a born again Christian with a background in community project and development and also executive administration. I am a hardworking, trustworthy individual who believes in professionalism.

Tell us a bit about your CBO:

Sister For Sister Kenya supports those at the heart of the community particularly the girl child, street kids, youth and young women in order to shape their destiny and accelerate their dreams. Partnerships and networking are our key pillars.

The organization partners with community organizations, county and national governments and government ministries to build long term relationships, and to ensure solutions are holistic and advocate for the girls’ rights.

What inspired you to want to start a CBO?

The high levels of poverty in informal settlements and high levels of gender inequalities. With my undergraduate course in community development from Moi university I believe I can help the society by improving the lives of the less fortunate.

What were some of the challenges you've faced running your CBO?

Lack of long-term strategic planning, little publicity from the media,lack of commitment,lack of feedback and social support,unwillingness to cooperate with each other,polarization of NGOs,lack of professional experience in the field and insufficient grants from international donors.

How would you like the government to step in to help?

I would like the government to adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforce legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.

I would also wish for them to pass the 2/3 gender bill in parliament so as to fast track the implementation of the slum upgrading project.

I would love for them to reduce the tax for sanitary towels and increase more funds for women and girls not forgetting to eliminate all harmful practices, such as early marriages and female genital mutilation.

Briefly explain us the vision you have for your CBO:

I wish to eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation,ensure women’s full and elective participation and equal opportunities for leader ship at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.

Do you feel it is so difficult to get funding today?

Yes, very difficult.

What are some of the things that you know now that you didn't know when you were starting out? Management of time,resources and people and entrepreneurial skills

What do you do during your free time when you are not helping the people?

Reading books,networking,engaging in sporting activities, football and swimming.

Who can you say has helped in any way to support your CBO?

My dad Mr. Bogonko, former and current Nbi governor Evans Kidero and Mike Sonko respectively.

You seem driven and ambitious in running your CBO. What gives you the passion and drive to see your CBO succeeding in the midst of the challenges you're facing?

Motivation from my dad,mum, sisters,cousins, church friends, grand mother from Nakuru, child hood friends and work colleagues.