- The Kenyan philanthropist had earlier disclosed that he was in Jamaica on a tour.
- Before visiting Jamaica, the Shofco founder was in the United States where he attended the TIME100 Summit and Gala on April 24th and 25th.
Image: HANDOUT
Kenyan philanthropist and Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) Founder and CEO Dr Kennedy Odede has shared details of his meeting with Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang in the Caribbean country.
Dr Chang is an influential Jamaican politician who is also currently serving as the country’s Minister of National Security.
He was formerly the Minister of Water, Environment and Housing from September 2007 to December 2011.
“I had lunch with Dr. Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister of Jamaica. I also had a conversation with his family,” Odede wrote on his Instagram.
The Kenyan philanthropist had earlier disclosed that he was in Jamaica on a tour.
Before visiting Jamaica, the Shofco founder was in the United States where he attended the TIME100 Summit and Gala on April 24th and 25th.
Odede was among the 2024 TIME100 list of the world's most influential people celebrated during the 2-day event. He was named alongside President William Ruto.
“Kennedy is living proof that individuals can lead themselves, and their communities, out of poverty. And his work has earned him the trust and admiration of all those around him.
“Kennedy finds ingenious solutions: schools for the most vulnerable girls, training programs for men to combat domestic violence, safe houses for survivors, community libraries, employment programs, innovative clean-water kiosks, a community cooperative bank,” the Magazine said.
Chang joins several world leaders Odede has met in recent times.
In February this year, the SHOFCO founder met and held talks with Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren in Boston.
Warren is a US politician who was among the top four vice-presidential choices for the then-Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, along with Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Representative Val Demings, and Senator Kamala Harris.
Last year, Delaware Senator Chris Coons visited Shofco where he toured the organisation’s projects in Kibera.
“I’m happy to be with you Kennedy and I’ve enjoyed seeing what you have done for your community in Kibera. God bless you and SHOFCO,” Coons said in a short video clip shared by Dr. Odede on social media.
Odede enjoys a wide global network that saw him introduced by President Bill Clinton as a close family friend during the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) forum in New York in September 2022.
“Pleasure to introduce someone who to me truly embodies the best of CGI. His (Odede’s) work has improved lives in the most impoverished communities on earth. A long-time friend of our family,” the former President said before ushering him to the podium to speak.
Dr. Odede founded SHOFCO in 2004 in Kibera and it has now expanded to 35 counties across Kenya.