Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) has officially launched the Kaloleni Community Resource Centre in Kilifi County, reinforcing its mission to provide inclusive access to education, skills training, and empowerment services across Kenya.
The newly unveiled state-of-the-art facility will offer programs in digital literacy, tailoring and fashion design, youth mentorship, and access to a community library. The Kaloleni centre forms a key part of SHOFCO’s ambitious goal to empower over one million learners annually through its expanding network of community hubs.
Kilifi Deputy Governor H.E. Flora Mbetsa Chibule, who presided over the launch, lauded SHOFCO’s impact in uplifting marginalized communities. “This centre is a powerful step toward transforming lives in Kaloleni. It will offer opportunities that many young people here have never had access to before,” she said.
SHOFCO CEO and founder Dr. Kennedy Odede emphasized that the centre reflects the organization’s deepening commitment to reducing social and economic inequalities. “We are building a future where every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality learning and life-changing opportunities,” he stated.
The Kaloleni facility is one of four key SHOFCO initiatives launched in 2025. Other new developments include:
- Sega Community Resource Centre in Siaya County – offering a library, SUN social hall, and a Sustainable Livelihoods wing with training in entrepreneurship and financial literacy. It is expected to serve over 5,000 youth and women annually.
- Kadibo Community Resource Centre in Kisumu County – providing vocational training, digital access, and gender-based violence (GBV) support services. It aims to reach over 3,000 beneficiaries, with a focus on women and youth.
- SHOFCO Sacco Branch in Kakamega County – launched to boost financial inclusion among informal sector groups by offering affordable savings and credit services to underserved communities.
Collectively, these expansions reflect SHOFCO’s grassroots development strategy, targeting both urban slums and rural regions. The Kaloleni centre, in particular, is expected to catalyze economic and educational progress throughout the coastal region by bridging digital divides and opening up new livelihood pathways, especially for women and young people.
Founded in Nairobi, SHOFCO currently supports over 350,000 slum residents across ten informal settlements in three cities. The organization’s model has garnered international recognition and support from global figures including Beyoncé, Madonna, Chelsea Clinton, and Nicholas Kristof.
SHOFCO’s 2025 initiatives demonstrate how community-driven development, anchored in local leadership and inclusive planning, can deliver scalable and sustainable change.
Written By Rodney Mbua
