Dr. Kennedy Odede, the founder and CEO of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), has been awarded the prestigious 2025 United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize for his exceptional service to humanity and transformative work in Kenya’s underserved communities.
The award was presented Friday at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York during commemorations marking Nelson Mandela International Day. The Mandela Prize, awarded every five years, honours individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity, inspired by the legacy of the former South African President and global icon.
Odede, a native of Kibera, Africa’s largest urban slum, described the recognition as a powerful affirmation of grassroots activism and his commitment to dignity, equality, and justice.
“Honored by the #NelsonMandelaPrize. Mandela’s name ‘Rolihlahla’ means ‘troublemaker’, the good kind that stirs courage, justice, and compassion. If that means fighting for dignity, equality, and peace, count me in,” Odede said in a post on X.
In an interview with Africa Renewal, Odede reflected on the magnitude of the honor: “The Mandela Prize is awarded every five years, so being a recipient is no joke! It gives hope to other community organisations across Africa that their work matters.”
Founded in Kibra, SHOFCO has become a leading force in community-driven development, reaching over 4 million people across Kenya. Under Odede’s leadership, the organisation has supported more than 10,000 girls to access education, trained 1.5 million youth in leadership, and created employment for over 2,000 staff in 35 counties. Its microfinance arm, SHOFCO Sacco, has issued over Ksh.1.2 billion in microloans, while also facilitating 180,000 jobs for young people.
SHOFCO also leads clean water distribution efforts in urban slums, a personal mission for Odede who recalled the struggles of walking for hours to fetch contaminated water in his childhood.
The accolade adds to Odede’s growing list of global recognitions, including his selection to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2023. Earlier this month, Mombasa County named a new 4.5-kilometre access road in Jomvu after him, the Kennedy Odede Access Road, in recognition of his contributions to national development.
As Odede looks to the future, he says his next focus is on sustainability and scaling SHOFCO’s impact: “We’re already running income-generating activities. The goal is to make our work last, long after awards are forgotten.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
