Kennedy Odede, a name that has become synonymous with grassroots change, is a man who defies odds.
From growing up in Kibera, one of Nairobi’s largest slums, to being honoured with the prestigious 2025 UN Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize, Odede’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of community.
July 18, 2025, marked the day that Odede stepped on the global award stage, yet again.
At 41, Odede stands as the founder and CEO of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), a movement that has impacted over four million lives across the country.
His journey from homelessness to globally recognised leader is not just inspiring but a beacon of hope for millions living in the country’s informal settlements.
In an exclusive interview with Africa Renewal, Odede reflected on his path to success and what the Mandela Prize means for him and the people he serves.
The news of his award came as a pleasant surprise while he was deep in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, with no access to phones or internet.
"When I got back, my phone was blowing up, calls, messages, congratulatory notes! I couldn’t believe it," he said, his voice full of genuine surprise.
“Mandela is someone I admired deeply, and for the UN to recognise SHOFCO, it’s amazing!”
The Mandela Prize is awarded every five years to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to humanity, particularly at the grassroots level.
Odede's win not only acknowledges his personal dedication to uplifting urban poor communities but also celebrates the work of SHOFCO, an organisation that has brought clean water, healthcare, education and economic empowerment to areas often overlooked by the government and global initiatives.
Despite the international recognition, Odede remains grounded in his roots.
“The communities I serve are so proud. They feel seen now,” he said, reflecting on the outpouring of pride from the people of Kibera and other slums across the country.
"People living in informal settlements often don’t feel seen. This award is for them,” he added.
Odede’s inspiration came from his own painful experiences growing up in Kibera.
His early life was marred by hardship.
"I lost hope and became very angry," he recalls.
"I wondered, why am I being beaten on the street? Why are we poor?"
He turned to books for solace, finding a guiding light in Nelson Mandela’s "Long Walk to Freedom."
"Mandela’s story gave me hope. It taught me that transformation begins within," Odede shared, adding that Mandela’s resilience in the face of injustice helped him find the courage to create change in his own community.
Starting SHOFCO at just 15 years old with little more than a soccer ball, Odede’s work began in the streets of Kibera, where he and his peers engaged in community-building activities like street cleaning, soccer games and discussions on pressing issues like gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS.
"We started with nothing, just a soccer ball. But we had a spirit that said: ‘You have to start. You have to do something.’ That’s how we built what I call a community,” he explained.
Today, SHOFCO's impact is far-reaching.
The organisation has supported over 10,000 girls in school, trained 1.5 million youth in leadership, and facilitated 180,000 job opportunities.
They also provide clean water to some of the most underserved areas in Kenya.
"We are the largest clean water provider in many slums," Odede proudly stated.
Looking ahead, Odede is determined to
expand SHOFCO’s reach both within Kenya and across Africa.
"We’re in 35 counties now, and we plan to expand to all 47
counties. We’re also exploring opportunities in South Africa and Nigeria,” he
said.
The sustainability of SHOFCO is key to its future success, and
Odede highlighted the organization's income-generating activities as a model
for community-led development.
Through its Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), SHOFCO has given out over $10 million (approximately Sh1.3bn) in loans, empowering local entrepreneurs and providing financial autonomy to thousands of community members.
As Odede continues to expand SHOFCO’s
work, he believes that the Mandela Prize will open new doors for partnerships
and international visibility.
“Lived experience has often been ignored in development, but the
UN is now saying it matters. This recognition will bring more attention to the
work we’re doing and help us grow even further,” he said.
When asked about his message to young
Africans, Odede was clear:
"Africa is young, 70
percent of our population is under 30. Young people have power. They have tools
my generation didn’t have, and they must start leading today. They are not
leaders of tomorrow, they are leaders now."
Kennedy
Odede’s story is a powerful reminder that transformative change often begins in
the most unexpected places.
With the Mandela Prize in his hands, he is poised to take SHOFCO
to even greater heights, empowering more communities and offering hope to
millions who have long been ignored.
Through his leadership, Odede is proving that the path to global
impact starts with one person and one community, at a time.
