Kennedy Odede

Founder & CEO of @hope2shine | I believe in the power of communities | We must localize aid!

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

Honored by the #NelsonMandelaPrize. Mandela’s name “Rolihlahla” means “troublemaker”—the good kind that stirs courage, justice, and compassion. If that means fighting for dignity, equality, and peace, count me in. Let’s keep making #GoodTrouble. The world needs more Rolihlahlas.

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

The energy and determination of young people in Dagoretti North inspired me.

I was impressed by their desire to learn skills, build businesses and create better futures for themselves.

I made a commitment to support them to turn their aspirations into reality. #YouthEmpowerment

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

What a day in Nyeri!

Together with Governor H.E. Mwalimu Mutahi Kahiga, EGH, we launched a 36-seater community bus that will be used by our Shofco Urban Network (SUN) executive committee to support their activities and generate income.

At SHOFCO, our goal is not just to provide support, but to strengthen community-led initiatives that enable people to become economically independent and self-reliant.

In Nyeri, we have supported residents with seedlings, while over 1,000 young people have benefited from technical and vocational training and apprenticeship opportunities to build their skills and livelihoods.

Governor Kahiga and I also committed to strengthen partnership to address the rising cases of gender-based violence and growing mental health concerns among Nyeri residents.

Thank you, Governor, Deputy Governor H.E Hon David Kinaniri, Tetu MP Hon Geoffrey Wandeto and other leaders for attending our event today. #ForwardTogether

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

Today, we launched our new community empowerment centre in Kawangware, Dagoretti North Sub-county, designed to expand access to education, digital skills, and economic opportunities.

The centre hosts a school library, a computer laboratory, a community hall and a dedicated floor for beauty and cosmetology training for young women.

This is our 34th centre in Kenya and our vision is to create more spaces where communities can access opportunities and build better futures.

I appreciate the Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai, National Government Administration Officers, and other stakeholders for joining us today and recognising the importance of investing in community-led development. #CommunityPower

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

I was pleased to join partners at the Consultative Meeting on the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence today at the Office of the Deputy President.

One thing that stood out in our discussions is that ending gender-based violence requires us to look beyond protection and response.

We must also address the economic challenges that make it difficult for many women to break free from cycles of violence and rebuild their lives.

Through the safe houses that SHOFCO supports, women and girls not only find safety, counselling and other essential services, but also opportunities for economic empowerment.

This includes access to skills and livelihoods that can help survivors become financially independent and regain control of their lives.

I appreciate Principal Secretary Ann Wangómbe for recognising SHOFCO's contribution as a key partner in the safe houses programme.

I also value the strong working relationship between SHOFCO and the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action (SDGAAA).

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

I am proud of the progress SHOFCO is making in Kisumu. From expanding access to water and supporting girls’ education to empowering young people through business financing, skills training and employment opportunities, we are investing in communities. Through SUN, we are also strengthening grassroots leadership and helping residents drive their own development.

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

In Siaya County, we are seeing what is possible when communities are given the tools and opportunities to shape their own future.

Through SHOFCO, we have constructed 45 water pans to improve access to water for domestic use and support smart agriculture in dry areas. We are also sponsoring 600 girls through full scholarships because every girl deserves the opportunity to learn and achieve her full potential.

We have established 3-storey community centres in five of Siaya’s six sub-counties that provide spaces for skills training, library, computer lab, community hall, and other community programs.

We have also supported our SHOFCO Urban Network (SUN) members with buses to generate income and partnered with community-based organisations to implement community-led development projects that generate jobs for young people.

For me, development is about giving people the skills, resources and opportunities to build better futures for themselves and their communities.

On Saturday, during the launch of our new SHOFCO Ugunja Community Centre where I met students from various schools already using our new library and more than 20 young women who have enrolled in our dressmaking program. #CommunityEmpowerment

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

I am pleased to announce the opening of our new SHOFCO Sacco branch in Siaya County.

With over 50,000 members, SHOFCO Sacco continues to grow as a platform where ordinary Kenyans can save, access affordable credit, invest in their futures and build sustainable livelihoods.

Our goal is to ensure that people, especially those in underserved communities, have access to financial services that enable them to pursue their ambitions and improve their lives.

#SHOFCOSacco

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

What a day in Kisumu!

I was honoured to witness the election of new SHOFCO Urban Network (SUN) leaders who will take over the responsibility of mobilising communities and championing solutions to the challenges they are facing.

SUN is built on the belief that communities have the power to shape their own future. These elections are an important step in strengthening grassroots leadership and ensuring that community members remain at the centre of the decisions that affect their lives.

Congratulations to the newly elected leaders. I look forward to seeing you build on the work of your predecessors and continue advancing community-led development.

[SHOFCO @hope2shine]

#SUNElectionsKisumu People power

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

In Homa Bay County, through SHOFCO’s community-led programmes, we have rehabilitated 24 water pans, provided full scholarships to 450 girls, and distributed school uniforms to 852 learners in public schools to help them stay in school.

We have also supported 250 young people with capital to start businesses, strengthened 11 Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), and built a safe house in Ndhiwa that currently provides shelter to more than 100 survivors of gender-based violence.

Our commitment remains to reach more people and ensure that every community has the opportunity to thrive.

Today during the launch of a community bus which will be used by our SHOFCO Urban Network (SUN) members to generate income. #CommunityEmpowerment

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

I’m proud of the progress we are making in Migori County and the difference we are creating in people’s lives.

So far, SHOFCO has rehabilitated 45 water pans, provided full scholarships to more than 300 students, supported community-based organisations (CBOs), and handled 3,000 gender-based violence (GBV) cases.

We have also supported 600 young people with capital to grow their businesses and placed 450 youth in apprenticeship programs to strengthen their skills and improve their employment prospects.

In partnership with the County Government of Migori, we are also constructing a 48-bed safe house in Macalder to provide protection and support for survivors of gender-based violence.

Today during the launch of SHOFCO Rongo Community Centre which will host various community empowerment projects including a tailoring unit, computer lab, school library, community hall among other programs.

Thank you, my friend H.E Governor Ochilo Ayacko for coming to celebrate this milestone with us.

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

Tomorrow, I’ll be in Migori County to launch SHOFCO’s new Community Resource Centre in Rongo.

The centre will house a community hall, school library, computer lab and dedicated space for women’s empowerment programmes.

In Homa Bay County, we’ll also launch a community bus that will generate income for SHOFCO Urban Network (SUN) members.

These investments bring essential resources closer to communities while creating opportunities for learning, livelihoods and collective progress.

Empowered communities are built by investing in the spaces and opportunities people need to thrive. #CommunityEmpowerment

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

Today, we honour the heroes and heroines who fought for our freedom and celebrate the everyday champions working to transform communities across Kenya. #MashujaaDay

[SHOFCO @hope2shine]

Kijana mdogo Papa T Ke will be performing! Kosa Uchekwe. #KataaUkatili #EndGBV #SUNElectionsKisumu

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

As we mark Global Handwashing Day today, I'm proud of Kibera’s progress in the fight against waterborne diseases.
This year, @hope2shine has reached 81,000 people with Social Behaviour Change Communication, working with 65 schools and 15 health facilities to promote handwashing, safe water and proper sanitation.

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

As our Grade 6 and Grade 9 candidates at Kibera School for Girls and Mathare School for Girls prepare to sit their national examinations next week, I want to wish each one of them the very best.

I am proud of how far these girls have come.

To every candidate, believe in yourself and approach each paper with confidence. Remember, your worth goes beyond the examinations, and your dreams remain valid.

Go forth and shine, girls! #GirldChildEducation

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

This Customer Service Week, I celebrate our members and customers who are at the heart of SHOFCO SACCO.

The growth of our SACCO reflects the trust you have placed in us and our shared commitment to building a stronger financial future.

As we grow, we remain firmly focused on serving the common mwananchi. #HappyCustomerServiceWeek

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

Sometimes, the things we take for granted can determine whether a child feels they belong.

A school uniform may look like a simple piece of clothing, but for a child from a struggling family, it can mean dignity and the freedom to focus on learning.

At SHOFCO, we have now reached 2,911 learners in 12 Nairobi public schools, with a wider goal of supporting 10,000 learners across eight counties.

[SHOFCO @hope2shine]

Women and girls need community-based support from safe spaces, healthcare and education to livelihoods, protection and referrals. Protection must extend online, too. Global attention must lead to action.
Lasting change starts with women and girls leading it. #GenderEquality

[Kennedy Odede @KennedyOdede]

Back in 2009, we started the Kibera School for Girls with a dream to give girls in Kibera slums access to quality education and a chance to shape their own futures.

But that was never the end of the dream.

In September 2014, we opened the Mathare School for Girls, extending that vision to another community.

And this September, we took another bold step with the launch of Sankore International School.