Governor Wesley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet County has signalled a new chapter of collaboration between county governments and grassroots organizations after touring projects run by Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) in Kibera.
Hosted by SHOFCO founder and CEO Dr Kennedy Odede, Rotich visited the organization’s savings and credit cooperative, library, water and sanitation facilities, and the famed Kibera View Point.
The visit builds on earlier ties established during the International Youth Day Dialogue, where Rotich underscored his commitment to youth empowerment.
“Thank you for the great job you do to serve humanity,” the governor said. “You have practically demonstrated that being poor or from a humble background can be reversed and turned into success within our lifetime.”
Odede praised Rotich’s people-centred approach, noting that “meaningful change happens when leaders genuinely listen, strategically invest, and journey alongside their communities.”
SHOFCO, which began in Kibera before expanding nationally, has increasingly drawn interest from political leaders keen to learn from its community-driven model.
