Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco) is intensifying its development programs in Homa Bay County, with plans to construct safe houses aimed at combating the rising cases of gender-based violence.
The ground-breaking for the first safe house is scheduled for January 2025, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the County Government of Homa Bay and Shofco.
Speaking at the Shofco Urban Network (SUN) county elections held at Raila Odinga Stadium, Shofco Founder and CEO Dr. Kennedy Odede announced the exciting developments. “We signed an elaborate MoU with the county government in Mbita earlier this year and have already begun implementing our commitments, including the safe house project,” Dr. Odede stated.
In addition to the safe house initiative, Shofco has sponsored 250 students from the county to enroll in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. Martin Opere, Homa Bay County Executive Committee Member for Education, Human Capital Development and Vocational Training, expressed gratitude for the sponsorship, emphasizing the importance of technical skills in expanding career opportunities.
Shofco’s multifaceted approach also encompasses the construction of water pans, scholarships, and programs focused on preventing and responding to gender-based violence, alongside youth and women empowerment initiatives. “This week alone, we launched 16 water pans across three sub-counties,” Dr. Odede reported. “These efforts address climate change impacts, such as flooding, and provide essential water for irrigation farming.”
The water pans constructed by Shofco can hold over 40,000 cubic meters of water, ensuring that residents have access to water during both rainy and dry seasons. “It’s about restoring dignity and ensuring our communities don’t have to travel long distances for water,” he added.
Shofco also operates a Sacco in the county, providing members with loans to start businesses and support their children’s education. The SUN elections, held every three years, empower elected leaders to advocate for development programs within their communities, facilitating engagement with government and private sector stakeholders.
Dr. Odede emphasized the importance of grassroots leadership, stating, “These leaders are the real voice of the people, elected from the community level to champion development.”
About Kennedy Odede
Dr. Kennedy Odede is the visionary founder and CEO of Shofco, an organization dedicated to uplifting underserved communities in Kenya. Born and raised in the Kibera slum of Nairobi, Odede’s personal experiences with poverty and inequality inspired him to create Shofco in 2004. Under his leadership, Shofco has grown into a significant force for social change, implementing comprehensive programs that address education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and community mobilization. Dr. Odede is recognized for his commitment to transforming lives and restoring dignity in marginalized communities, making him a prominent advocate for social justice in Kenya.
