Kennedy Odede, 41, the founder and CEO of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), a Kenyan grassroots movement providing life-changing services to urban poor, is one of the laureates of the prestigious 2025 UN Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize. He spoke to Africa Renewal¡¯s Zipporah Musau, about his work and what the award means to him and the millions he serves across Kenya. Below are excerpts from that conversation:
Africa Renewal: Congratulations on winning the 2025 UN Nelson Mandela Prize. What was your reaction and what does this recognition mean to you and the communities you serve?
Kennedy Odede: I¡¯m truly humbled! When the winners were announced, I had travelled to Botswana, deep in the Okavango Delta¡ªno internet, no phone signal. When I got back later on, my phone was blowing up¡ªcalls, messages, congratulatory messages! ¡°What is happening?¡± I called to confirm the news.
I was pleasantly surprised! Mandela is someone I admired deeply. For the UN to recognise an organisation like SHOFCO¡ªit¡¯s amazing! The Mandela Prize is awarded every five years, so being a recipient is no joke! For us it is a big deal, and it gives hope to other community organisations across Africa that their work matters.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognise my co-winner in this award, Ms. Brenda Reynolds of Canada.
How did the communities you serve respond to the news?
They are so proud! The story is spreading everywhere. People living in informal settlements often don¡¯t feel seen. This award is for them. I have since gone to the counties of Meru and Machakos (in Kenya)¡ªpeople are excited.
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