Martha Toroitich

As Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns Manager at BoyChild Kenya, Martha Sancha works across regions to co-design and implement an impactful advocacy and policy influencing agenda to end drug and substance abuse among youth and promote equitable access to education, health, and psychosocial support. She is deeply committed to advancing children’s rights and shifting social norms that expose young people especially boys to addiction, neglect, and stigma.

A trained nurse, Martha brings a public health lens to her advocacy work. She has led health and rights campaigns at both community and national levels, using her frontline experience to inform evidence-based policy engagement. She has worked with diverse actors, including government ministries, civil society coalitions, and regional bodies, advocating for integrated, youth-centered, and gender-responsive strategies to combat drug abuse and support safe transitions to adulthood.

With a background in community health, policy analysis, and strategic campaigning, Martha previously worked with public health NGOs, where she led behavior change initiatives targeting adolescents and caregivers. Her experience includes coordinating advocacy strategies on mental health, education access, and social reintegration for young people affected by substance use.

Martha is also actively involved in grassroots mobilization and movement building within BoyChild Kenya’s national coalition of partners, empowering youth and community leaders to speak out, organize, and influence change. She is passionate about building alliances that center dignity, justice, and local ownership.

She holds a nursing degree and additional certifications in public policy and advocacy. Martha speaks English, Kiswahili, and several local dialects.

“We cannot talk about ending addiction without listening to those most affected. Advocacy must begin in the community  with compassion, dignity, and the courage to challenge harmful norms.”
— Martha Sancha, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns Manager, BoyChild Kenya