Shining Hope for Communities
(SHOFCO) has joined forces with the County Government of Homa Bay and the Council
of Governors (CoG) to host the International Youth Day (IYD) 2025 celebrations on August 12th.
This year’s event, to be held in Homa Bay town,
is expected to draw youth from across the country. T
The focus will be on youth-led innovation,
climate action, digital transformation, and localising the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking during the official announcement of the
partnership on Friday, August 1, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga
lauded the collaboration as a bold step toward addressing youth unemployment
and inclusion.
“Homa Bay is proud to host this year’s
International Youth Day. This event is not just a celebration, but a platform
to highlight the incredible potential of young people in transforming our
economy and our future.
“Together with SHOFCO and the Council of
Governors, we are committed to giving youth the tools, networks, and visibility
they deserve,” Governor Wanga said during the unveiling of Ugatuzi Wall, which
young people will use to channel their messages ahead of the Devolution Conference
to be held between August 12th and 15th.
The event will feature exhibitions, panel
discussions, a youth innovation competition, and policy dialogues focused on
youth entrepreneurship, climate resilience, and AI-driven solutions in
marginalised areas.
SHOFCO CEO Dr. Kennedy Odede, whose grassroots organisation serves over 4.1 million
people across 35 counties, emphasised the urgency of empowering youth with
21st-century skills.
“Young people are not just the leaders of
tomorrow—they are the solution-makers of today,” said Odede. “With the right
partnerships, they can build businesses, lead communities, and drive
sustainable change. International Youth Day is a chance to centre their voices
and invest in their potential. Youth do not belong in the margins.”
Dr. Odede also noted that SHOFCO will use the
event to launch new digital inclusion initiatives focused on AI training, youth
innovation hubs, and tech-enabled job creation in underserved communities.
Council of Governors Planning Committee Chair
and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga emphasised the importance of national
collaboration in empowering youth at the county level.
“Youth development cannot be left to the
national government alone. Counties are where solutions meet the people.
“Through this partnership, we are setting the
standard for what youth-centred development can look like. This is a critical
moment for Kenya to harness the ideas and energy of its young people, and we’re
honoured to be part of this effort. We are there to listen to them,” Governor Kahiga said.
The event will also showcase the success stories
of young innovators and entrepreneurs supported by SHOFCO’s youth programs
across informal settlements and rural communities in Kenya.
SHOFCO’s Program Director, John Odero,
underscored the significance of investing in youth leadership at the
grassroots.
“Young people are not just the leaders of
tomorrow, they are the solution-makers of today. Through this partnership with
Homa Bay County and the Council of Governors, we are reaffirming our commitment
to equipping youth with tools, platforms, and opportunities to drive change in
their communities,” Mr. Odero said.
The organisation has rolled out several youth
empowerment programs across Kenya that include TVET scholarships, advocacy
training, business training, offering grants & loans, and organising
sporting activities.
The collaboration marks the first time SHOFCO, a
grassroots movement founded in Kibera 2004, is co-hosting IYD at a country-wide
level in partnership with CoG.
It also reflects the growing commitment among
county governments to integrate youth in the development agenda.
Organizers expect over 2,000 youth participants, including students, community leaders, local
entrepreneurs, and county officials. International partners and community-based
organsations (CBOs) working in youth empowerment and innovation are also
expected to attend.
