The recently coronated Luo Council of Elders Chairman Ker Odungi Randa has praised Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) Founder and CEO Dr Kennedy Odede for his efforts to uplift the lives of the less fortunate across Kenya.
Ker Odungi, who met with Odede in his home in Nyando, Kisumu County, said Odede has done a lot for Kenya and he deserves to be appreciated.
“I have been looking for you. I’m happy to see you today and I bless the work of your hands," Ker told Odede.
“You have done a lot for our community and Kenya at large.”
Odungi was coronated as the 9th Ker of the Luo Council of Elders in a colourful ceremony at the Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu in December 2023.
The ceremony was graced by Opposition Leader Raila Odinga and all Luo Nyanza county governors.
On his part, Odede called on the community leaders to be united and not allow politicians to divide them.
“Our community leaders have always been our voice of reason. By putting aside partisan differences and collaborating in the public interest, our leaders can address the challenges facing our people today and build a better future for us all,” he said.
At the same time, the SHOFCO boss underscored the value of embracing culture and tradition, saying it has helped in bringing order in different communities.
“Our culture and tradition are important and we should write them down for the future generation to read.
“Preserving our culture is essential for fostering identity, diversity, and community cohesion. It enriches the lives of our people and contributes to a more vibrant and inclusive world,” Odede stated.
The SHOFCO founder praised Ker Odungi saying he has brought the community together.
“You’re doing a great work for the community and we are proud of you,” he added.
SHOFCO is running several projects in Nyanza region which include water distribution, healthcare, school libraries, gender-based violence response and prevention and women empowerment programs.
The organisation has also enrolled more than 1000 youth to various technical institutions in the region.
Under Dr. Odede’s leadership, SHOFCO has grown from Kibera slums in Nairobi to now 35 counties across Kenya serving over four million people.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed as Dr. Odede was last year awarded TIME’s TIME100 Impact Award in Kigali, Rwanda alongside former Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Odede is also a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum, an Obama Foundation Africa Leader, a USAID Advisory Board member, and the winner of the Mohammed Ali Humanitarian Award among others.