Matungu Community Empowerment Network

25/04/2026

Silent No More Project Stakeholders Evaluation Meeting

Yesterday, we held a successful Silent No More Project Stakeholders Evaluation Meeting in Matungu. The agenda focused on developing and expanding the Silent No More Project, as well as identifying opportunities for new partnerships to support its growth.

In attendance were community-based stakeholders, including representatives from the Sub-County National Government (Assistant County Commissioner and Local Administration), the Sub-County County Government (Departments of Children, Education, and Health), religious leaders (Christian and Muslim), trained reproductive health experts, human rights organizations, and MaCEN (advisory team, staff, volunteers, and champions).

The meeting featured an insightful overview of the project, highlighting its entire journey from how MaCEN began to its vision, mission, and goals. It also explored how the Silent No More Project came into existence, including its implementation through a well-developed toolkit.

The project was clearly presented as a community-led model aimed at shifting abortion stigma and social norms. It showcased the effective sequence of approaches used, including dialogue outreach forums, participatory theatre, dialogue circles, and digital storytelling. The presentation also covered the project’s impact, successes, gaps, opportunities, challenges, and recommendations.

The session concluded with stakeholders sharing their experiences and providing valuable recommendations, which will play a key role in expanding the Silent No More Project and fostering new partnerships to support its growth.

MaCEN would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders. Your support, presence, and contributions are deeply valued as we continue working together to strengthen community impact and sustainability.








Ipas Africa Alliance
Defenders Coalition
UN Women
Amnesty International
Embassy of the Netherlands in Kenya
Social Justice Centers Working Group
Marie Stopes Kenya
Life Lifters Kenya
Liberty In Action Kenya -LIBAC-Kenya
Rising To Greatness Organization
Rural to Global Organization
Reproductive Health Network Kenya

22/04/2026

A Heartfelt Appreciation for a Transformative Training by Ipas Africa Alliance

We Matungu Community Empowerment Network - MAaCEN extend our sincere gratitude to Ipas Africa Alliance for organizing and facilitating an insightful and impactful training centered on collaboration, capacity building, and sustainable impact.

The whole session was a powerful reminder that the Alliance is indeed more than a convener, it is a dedicated partner committed to strengthening community organizations and nurturing resilience for long-term success. Through this engagement, we gained valuable knowledge and practical skills, particularly in resource mobilization and financial management, which are essential for building strong, accountable, and sustainable institutions.

Right from day one the training created a dynamic and inclusive collaborative space where partners could align strategies, share experiences, and learn from one another. This exchange not only enriched our understanding but also reinforced the importance of working collectively to address the challenges facing our communities. The opportunity to co-create practical tools and solutions has equipped us to move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

We truly appreciate Ipas Africa Alliance iin empowering organizations through skills development, partnerships, and innovative approaches. This commitment is instrumental in ensuring that our work continues to create meaningful, lasting impact in advancing reproductive health and community wellbeing.

Now as we reflect on this experience, we are inspired, better equipped, and more connected than ever before. We look forward to applying these lessons and strengthening our collective efforts toward sustainable change.

💡 Collaboration.
💼 Capacity Building.
🌍 Sustainable Impact.

Together in one accord, we are building stronger, more resilient communities.

We wrapped up the joint training last week, marked by strong engagement and a shared commitment to sustainability. The positive feedback from participants reinforces the value of collective learning and practical, partner‑driven solutions. We’re proud to walk alongside organizations as they build the systems and strategies needed to thrive.

Matungu Community Empowerment Network National Council for Population and Development International Centre for Reproductive Health -Kenya - ICRHK Marie Stopes Kenya Community Voices Network Rhi Cbo The Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health International Planned Parenthood Federation - IPPF International Center for Research on Women - Asia Women's Empowerment Link (The Official WEL Page) CYAN KENYA Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) Rural to Global Organization Ashwa Uganda

21/04/2026

Addressing Misinformation and Misperceptions on Reproductive Health at Lubao FM Morning Radio Talk Show.

Addressing misinformation and misperceptions surrounding reproductive health particularly on abortion and teenage pregnancies remains a critical priority for the Matungu Community Empowerment Network (MaCEN). Through a radio talk show at Lubao FM, MaCEN’s health practitioners and stakeholders created a platform to educate, inform, and engage the community on these pressing issues.

Among the most alarming challenges in Matungu is the rising number of unplanned pregnancies among girls and women. Many of these cases involve exploitation by older men, as well as risky relationships among school-going youth, especially during periods of insecurity previously experienced in the area. This situation has led to a crisis characterized by school dropouts, unprepared motherhood, unsafe abortions, and serious health complications.

Due to limited access to accurate reproductive health information, many girls and women have resorted to unsafe abortion methods, putting their lives at great risk. Others have been forced into early childbearing without the necessary support systems, affecting not only their personal futures but also the well-being of families and the wider community.

Recognizing this urgent need, MaCEN took a proactive step to deliver accurate and reliable information to the community. Through the Lubao FM platform, the organization engaged qualified reproductive health practitioners to address misinformation and clarify key issues. The session featured Dr. Dora Aura, a Sexual and Reproductive Health expert from Matungu Health Facility, and Dyvine Lillian, a Community Health Promoter in Matungu. Together, they provided in-depth insights into reproductive health, helping to correct harmful myths and misconceptions.

The practitioners highlighted a concerning trend of unreported defilement cases, which is a criminal offense under Kenyan law when it involves individuals under the age of 18. Many of these cases only come to light during delivery at health facilities or through community discussions, such as during funerals. This reflects a significant gap in awareness and access to accurate information, leaving many individuals vulnerable to exploitation and unable to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health rights.

During the radio discussion, stakeholders also emphasized the importance of establishing a Health Technical Working Group composed of all community stakeholders. With MaCEN playing a key coordinating role, this initiative aims to strengthen collaboration in addressing unplanned pregnancies, teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and gender-based violence within the community.

In addition, MaCEN highlighted the power of storytelling and performing arts as innovative tools for addressing these sensitive issues. By involving young people through a Theatre Forum Arts group, the organization has created a dynamic approach to community engagement. Through music, drama, play skits, and health talks, the group communicates important reproductive health messages in a relatable and engaging way. These performances often spark curiosity and dialogue among community members, leading to question-and-answer sessions and, in some cases, referrals to legal clinics for deeper engagement on sensitive matters.

Following questions from listeners, the health practitioners provided comprehensive professional insights on abortion. They addressed the differences between safe and unsafe abortion, explained the legal framework surrounding abortion in Kenya, and discussed the circumstances under which abortion may be permitted particularly when the life or health of the mother is at risk. They also highlighted potential health complications associated with unsafe practices and emphasized the importance of access to accurate sexual and reproductive health information for everyone, including girls, boys, women, and men. Importantly, they challenged harmful narratives, stigma, and misconceptions that continue to hinder open dialogue and informed decision making.

In conclusion, the Lubao FM radio engagement demonstrated the critical role of accurate information, community dialogue, and collaborative action in addressing reproductive health challenges. Through continued awareness, youth engagement, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, MaCEN is contributing to building a more informed, empowered, and healthier community in Matungu and beyond Kakamega county.









Ipas Africa Alliance
Defenders Coalition
Amnesty International
UN Women
Embassy of the Netherlands in Kenya
Social Justice Centers Working Group
Marie Stopes Kenya
102.2MHz LUBAO FM
Liberty In Action Kenya -LIBAC-Kenya
Rising To Greatness Organization
Rural to Global Organization

5 likes, 1 comment. "MATUNGU COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT NETWORK (MACEM)"

21/04/2026

Empowering Communities on Reproductive Health touching on Gender Base Violence and Abortion at Lubao FM Morning Radio Talk Show.

The media remains one of the most powerful tools for communication, with the ability to inform, educate, simplify, and amplify critical issues affecting our communities. Through its wide reach across diverse audiences, radio continues to play a vital role in shaping conversations and driving social change.

In line with this, MaCEN – Matungu Community Empowerment Network leveraged this platform through a morning talk show on Radio Lubao FM, featuring Project Coordinator Anastasia Munyendo alongside Community Champion Pastor Adam Nasamba. The discussion focused on key reproductive health issues affecting communities in Matungu and the larger Kakamega County.

The conversation centered on Gender-Based Violence (GBV)—exploring its meaning, forms, causes, and far-reaching consequences. The speakers highlighted how GBV affects individuals across all demographics and emphasized the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and response mechanisms within communities.

The dialogue further addressed abortion, recognizing it as a sensitive but critical issue often linked to cases of gender-based violence. The discussion unpacked what abortion is, the factors that lead to it, and why many individuals remain silent due to stigma, fear, and lack of access to supportive services. Emphasis was placed on the importance of open dialogue, timely reporting, and seeking help.

Listeners actively participated by asking questions, creating an interactive platform for learning and engagement. Key solutions discussed included: Increasing community awareness and education programs, Establishing more rescue and support centers for survivors, Creating safe platforms for open discussions and
Strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.

The role of various stakeholders was strongly emphasized, including parents, youth, schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, the judiciary, administrators, human rights organizations, religious leaders, media, reproductive health champions, and both county and national governments.

The session clearly reinforced the mission of MaCEN – Matungu Community Empowerment Network: to sensitize, educate, empower communities, and support victims in accessing help and justice on reproductive health issues.

MaCEN frequently holds different activities to achieve this: stake holders forums, markets and open air theatre forums, community dialogue forums, local administrators barazas, school sentization forums, media stations platforms sensitization, social media platforms sentization, legal aid clinics organized programmes and one on one office engagement sessions.









Ipas Africa Alliance
Defenders Coalition
Amnesty International
UN Women
Embassy of the Netherlands in Kenya
Social Justice Centers Working Group
Liberty In Action Kenya -LIBAC-Kenya
Marie Stopes Kenya
Life Lifters Kenya
Reproductive Health Network Kenya
Rising To Greatness Organization
Rural to Global Organization

⚠️ CAUTION!!This stream may contain copyrighted music. Lubao Television Network (LTN) does not own the rights to the music and makes no claim of ownership. T...

16/04/2026

Matungu Community Empowerment Network is actively participating in this impactful capacity-building session, deepening our knowledge and strengthening our skills in resource mobilization and financial management.

Through this collaborative engagement, we are exchanging experiences with like-minded partners, aligning strategies, and co-creating practical approaches that will enhance our sustainability and effectiveness as a community-based organization.

Our presence in this session reflects our commitment to continuous learning, stronger partnerships, and delivering meaningful, long-term impact in the communities we serve. Together, we are building a more resilient future.

16/04/2026

World Health Day’s campaign this year focuses on the critical role of scientific evidence, research, and innovation in driving global health improvements, fostering trust in public health, and strengthening health systems—particularly through a One Health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of people, communities, and systems.

Who do we work with?

Ipas Africa Alliance works alongside a wide range of partners who share a commitment to health, rights, and dignity, including:
☑️Government and public health institutions
☑️Healthcare providers and professional associations
☑️Civil society and community‑based organizations
☑️ Researchers, advocates, and youth leaders

Our approach is collaborative and African‑led, grounding solutions in local expertise, research, and partnerships to deliver sustainable, equitable care—so women and girls can access the services they need, when they need them, without shame or barriers.

Partnership is how progress becomes permanent. Real change is never achieved alone

Reproductive Health Network KenyaIIpas NigeriaMMatungu Community Empowerment NetworkNNational Council for Population and DevelopmentIInternational Centre for Reproductive Health -Kenya - ICRHK Marie Stopes Kenya Community Voices Network Rhi Cbo The Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive HealthIInternational Planned Parenthood Federation - IPPFIInternational Center for Research on Women

16/04/2026

⚖️ Justice is not a destination—it’s a journey.
⚖️ A journey shaped by commitment, courage, and action.

At Ipas Africa Alliance, we work every day to advance justice by challenging inequities, amplifying community voices, and supporting systems that uphold dignity and rights for all. We know progress may not be perfect, but we believe in showing up, pushing forward, and moving closer—together.

As this quote reminds us, the march toward justice is ongoing. And we remain committed to taking each step with purpose, accountability, and hope.

Reproductive Health Network Kenya Ipas Nigeria Matungu Community Empowerment Network National Council for Population and Development International Centre for Reproductive Health -Kenya - ICRHK Marie Stopes Kenya Community Voices Network Rhi Cbo The Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health International Planned Parenthood Federation - IPPF International Center for Research on Women - Asia Women's Empowerment Link (The Official WEL Page)

10/04/2026

My name is Lungwe Stephen, and I serve as the Assistant Chief of Lunganyiro Sublocation in Matungu Sub-county. In addition to my administrative responsibilities, I am a professional accredited mediator under the Court of Kenya and a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) specialist.

The Silent No More program has brought about what I would describe as a significant paradigm shift in how reproductive health issues are approached within our community. Previously, matters relating to sexuality and reproductive health were treated with great secrecy. This culture of silence disproportionately affected women and young mothers, leading to loss of lives and leaving many with long term health complications.

However, since the introduction of this intervention by Matungu Community Empowerment Network, we have witnessed remarkable transformation. The organization adopted a highly inclusive and strategic approach by engaging all key stakeholders from the onset. Initial meetings brought together teachers, religious leaders including Imams administrators, and various community based actors. Through sensitization efforts, these stakeholders embraced the need to openly discuss reproductive health without stigma.

As a result, we have held numerous forums focusing on key aspects of Universal Health Coverage, a central pillar of the Kenya Kwanza government. A critical component of this system is the involvement of Community Health Promoters, who have been instrumental in advancing awareness on reproductive health and safe abortion practices. Today, these issues are no longer hidden; they are discussed openly within the community.

Community Health Promoters, together with National Government Administration Officers including Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, village elders, and Nyumba Kumi leaders regularly participate in community dialogue sessions. Additionally, they attend public barazas, which we are mandated to conduct at least twice a month. During these forums, we jointly sensitize community members, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as teenage mothers.

One of the most significant outcomes of this collaboration has been the strengthening of the community referral system. Women in distress can now confidently reach out to Community Health Promoters or local leaders and be referred to Level Two and Level Three health facilities for appropriate care. This has greatly reduced reliance on unsafe, backstreet service providers, as more residents now seek services from government accredited facilities.

From a mediation perspective, this intervention has also reduced conflicts. Previously, complications arising from unsafe procedures often led to disputes within families. Today, medical processes involve proper counseling and, where applicable, the involvement of both partners, which promotes understanding and reduces conflict.

Looking ahead, I am confident that if this system is further strengthened, Matungu Community Empowerment Network will continue to transform our society into one that fully embraces safe reproductive health practices.

That said, there are areas that require improvement. Transport remains a major challenge, particularly during emergencies at night. In many cases, motorbikes are the only available means of transport, yet they are not suitable for women in critical condition. Additionally, our local health facilities lack ambulance services; the only available ambulance is privately owned and located in Matungu, serving the entire sub-county and beyond.

Another key area is the need for mainstreaming this intervention into government programs, particularly within the Ministry of Health. Integrating these efforts into formal health systems would ensure sustainability and broader impact, allowing reproductive health and safe abortion to be addressed more comprehensively within medical service provision.

In conclusion, Matungu Community Empowerment Network has made a profound impact in our community. I strongly encourage continued support and increased funding for this initiative so that it can expand beyond Matungu to neighboring regions such as Busia and Bungoma counties, where similar challenges persist.

Watch The Whole Video Story Here:

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Ipas Africa Alliance
Defenders Coalition
Social Justice Centers Working Group
Embassy of the Netherlands in Kenya
UN Women
Amnesty International
Marie Stopes Kenya
Liberty In Action Kenya -LIBAC-Kenya
Life Lifters Kenya
Rising To Greatness Organization
Rural to Global Organization

10/04/2026

My name is Faith, and this is my story an experience that changed my life last year.

I was in a relationship with a man I lived with for two years. During that time, he suggested that we try to have a child together. I agreed, and soon after, I became pregnant. As my body began to change, I started experiencing signs of sickness.

When I informed him about the pregnancy, he doubted me. Despite taking a pregnancy test to confirm it, he still refused to believe me and accused me of lying. This was deeply painful, especially because I was already going through physical and emotional changes.

As time went on, my condition worsened. I experienced constant fatigue, vomiting, mood swings, and persistent pain. These symptoms began to interfere with my daily life and negatively affected my business, as I was unable to work consistently.

Concerned about my health, I asked him to allow me to go to the hospital. However, he refused, claiming he had no money. Instead, he brought me strong malaria medication, which I took. Shortly after, I experienced a different kind of pain sharp, intense, and alarming.

Throughout this time, he gave various excuses for rejecting the pregnancy. One of his main reasons was our religious difference he was Muslim, and I was Christian. He claimed that having a child outside a Muslim marriage would be unacceptable and insisted that we must first marry under Islamic law. Although I was open to the idea, his actions showed a lack of genuine commitment. It became clear that he was not ready for a serious relationship.

Later, I came to realise that the medication I had taken caused me to miscarry my pregnancy. This was devastating, as I had wanted to keep my child.

After that, everything changed. He became abusive emotionally and physically. He began blaming me for the miscarriage, even though I knew the truth. He would come home drunk, stay out at night, and physically assault me. I found myself trapped in fear, isolation, and constant emotional pain.

I tried everything I could to fix the relationship, but nothing worked. I slowly lost myself in the process.

At my lowest point, I met a friend who introduced me to the Matungu Community Empowerment Network. When I shared my story, they welcomed me with compassion and understanding. In that space, I found support, guidance, and knowledge. Through their meetings, I began to understand my situation more clearly and learned how to protect myself and make informed decisions.

With time, I regained my strength and courage. I made the difficult but necessary decision to walk away from the abusive relationship. I returned home and began the journey of healing and rebuilding my life.

Today, I am grateful to my friend, and to the Matungu Community Empowerment Network for helping me find my way out of darkness. Their support gave me hope and the strength to start again.

My story is a reminder that no one deserves abuse, and that help and healing are possible.

Watch The Whole Video Story Here:

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Ipas Africa Alliance
Defenders Coalition
Social Justice Centers Working Group
Embassy of the Netherlands in Kenya
UN Women
Amnesty International
Liberty In Action Kenya -LIBAC-Kenya
Life Lifters Kenya
Rising To Greatness Organization
Rural to Global Organization

10/04/2026

Transforming Community Perspectives on Reproductive Health: Insights from Lungwe Stephen

Lungwe Stephen, the Assistant Chief of Lunganyiro Sublocation in Matungu Sub-County, shares his experience with the Silent No More project. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, he is a professionally accredited mediator under the Judiciary of Kenya and a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) specialist. His perspective highlights the significant impact of the initiative on community attitudes toward reproductive health.

He explains that the Silent No More project has brought about a paradigm shift in how reproductive health issues are perceived and addressed. Previously, matters related to sexuality and reproductive health were shrouded in secrecy. As a result, many women and young mothers suffered in silence, leading to preventable deaths and long-term health complications. The introduction of this intervention by the Matungu Community Empowerment Network has, however, led to substantial positive change.

A key strength of the initiative has been its inclusive and multi-stakeholder approach. From the outset, the program brought together teachers, religious leaders including Imams administrative officers, and other community stakeholders. Through sensitization efforts, these groups developed a shared understanding of the importance of discussing reproductive health openly and without stigma. This collective engagement fostered widespread acceptance of the initiative’s objectives.

The project also aligns with broader national priorities, such as Universal Health Coverage, a key pillar of Kenya’s development agenda. Community Health Promoters have been actively involved in the program, receiving training and playing a crucial role in raising awareness. As a result, issues surrounding reproductive health and safe abortion are no longer treated as taboo subjects within the community.

Regular community dialogue meetings have further strengthened this progress. These forums are attended by National Government Administration Officers, including chiefs, assistant chiefs, village elders, and members of the Nyumba Kumi initiative. In addition, Community Health Promoters and public health officers participate in public barazas mandatory community meetings held by local administrators. These platforms provide opportunities to educate residents, particularly adolescents and young mothers, about safe reproductive health practices.

One of the most significant outcomes of the initiative has been the strengthening of community referral systems. Individuals in distress can now seek assistance from Community Health Promoters or local leaders and are referred to accredited health facilities for appropriate care. This has reduced reliance on unsafe, unregulated service providers and improved access to professional medical services.

Furthermore, the initiative has contributed to a reduction in conflict within households. Previously, complications arising from unsafe procedures often led to disputes and social tension. Today, medical processes are more structured, involving counselling and, where applicable, the participation of both partners. This has fostered better understanding and reduced conflict.

Despite these achievements, Lungwe identifies areas that require further strengthening. In particular, transportation remains a significant challenge in emergency situations. Many cases arise at night, and the lack of accessible and reliable transport especially ambulances limits timely access to healthcare. The only available ambulance service is privately owned and serves a wide region, making it insufficient for the community’s needs.

He also emphasizes the importance of mainstreaming the initiative into government programs, particularly within the Ministry of Health. Integrating such interventions into official policy frameworks would ensure sustainability and expand their reach.

In conclusion, Lungwe Stephen commends the Matungu Community Empowerment Network for its impactful work and advocates for continued support and expansion of the Silent No More project. He expresses hope that with increased funding and collaboration, the initiative can extend beyond Matungu to other regions facing similar challenges, ultimately contributing to a more informed, healthy, and empowered society.

Watch The Whole Video Story Here:

https://youtu.be/fdtw7ZeYdNs?si=zYA4hpQl9_4XvlKq









Ipas Africa Alliance
Defenders Coalition
Social Justice Centers Working Group
Embassy of the Netherlands in Kenya
UN Women
Amnesty International
Marie Stopes Kenya
Liberty In Action Kenya -LIBAC-Kenya
Life Lifters Kenya
Rising To Greatness Organization
Rural to Global Organization