As the CEO of the Centre for Community Health and Environmental Change (CCHEC), Joseph Baraka Ogolla leads impactful health, WASH, and environmental initiatives, driving sustainable change through community-based research, inclusive education, and targeted support for vulnerable populations.
With over a decade of experience in humanitarian programming and community development, Joseph is committed to improving the quality of life in underserved communities across Kilifi County and beyond. He studied Leadership and Project Management at the University of Washington, equipping him with the practical tools and strategic vision to guide CCHEC’s mission.
Under his leadership, CCHEC has grown into a respected community-based organization that champions school greening, menstrual health innovations, sanitation access, and climate adaptation. Joseph emphasizes local ownership, evidence-based approaches, and collaborative partnerships to create lasting impact at the grassroots level.
He is also trained in Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and has played a key role in advancing the Open Defecation Free (ODF) agenda in multiple villages.
Joseph’s vision is rooted in equity, resilience, and the belief that sustainable development begins with empowering the communities themselves.
As the Head of Programmes, As Head of Department, Belina provides visionary leadership in the design and implementation of transformative programs that advance gender equality, promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and prevent gender-based violence (GBV). Her work champions the health, dignity, and rights of women and girls, including those with disabilities and those from marginalized or underserved communities. Belina plays a pivotal role in mobilizing communities, forging strategic partnerships with local leaders and stakeholders, and creating safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue, healing, and empowerment. She ensures that all programs are rights-based, inclusive, and grounded in evidence, with a strong focus on disability inclusion and intersectional approaches. She oversees a diverse portfolio of initiatives, including survivor-centered support services, SRHR education and outreach, capacity-building for frontline responders, and community-led campaigns that challenge harmful gender norms. Belina is also a strong advocate for child safeguarding, ensuring that child protection principles are embedded across all departmental programs, staff practices, and community engagements—prioritizing the safety, well-being, and rights of children at every level. Under her leadership, the department has strengthened multisectoral coordination, influenced policy reform through sustained advocacy, and empowered women, girls, and persons with disabilities to become active agents of change within their communities.
As the Finance and Administration Manager at CCHEC, Knight provides both strategic oversight and hands-on leadership in safeguarding the organization’s financial health and operational efficiency. She leads the development and implementation of robust financial systems—including planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting—ensuring transparency, accountability, and optimal resource utilization across all programs. Known for her keen attention to detail and unwavering commitment to integrity, Knight has played a pivotal role in strengthening internal controls, automating procurement and inventory processes, and ensuring full compliance with donor guidelines, statutory requirements, and international financial standards. She also oversees human resources and logistics, fostering a responsive and values-driven work environment aligned with CCHEC’s mission. Knight brings a solutions-oriented mindset to financial risk management and decision-making, using data and insight to guide the organization toward long-term sustainability. Under her leadership, CCHEC has improved audit outcomes, enhanced operational systems, and built the financial resilience needed to scale impactful programs in health, WASH, and environmental conservation.