A school in Homa Bay Town Constituency has been named after Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) Founder and CEO Dr. Kennedy Odede, recognizing his over 20 years of service in marginalised communities across Kenya.
The institution, now known as Dr. Kennedy Odede Achiero Comprehensive School, was officially opened on Wednesday, May 25 in a colorful ceremony attended by leaders across Homa Bay Bay County.
Speaking during the event, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma said Odede deserved recognition at home after years of receiving accolades abroad.
Kaluma noted that Odede’s appreciation locally had lagged behind despite his direct impact on people’s lives.
“Dr. Kennedy Odede has changed lives quietly and consistently. The world has celebrated him as a humanitarian and leader, but it is equally important that the people at home recognize and celebrate one of their own.
“This school stands as a symbol of gratitude and inspiration for generations to come,” Kaluma said.
The MP further praised Odede as a recipient of the 2025 United Nations Nelson Mandela Prize, describing him as a man whose work embodies service.
“Winning the Nelson Mandela Prize is recognition reserved for people whose actions leave a lasting mark on humanity.
“Dr. Odede has dedicated his life to serving vulnerable people, and naming this institution after him sends a powerful message that service to humanity matters,” Kaluma added.
Odede’s impact in Homa Bay has been felt through SHOFCO interventions targeting vulnerable households and underserved communities.
This year, the organisation offered full scholarships to 317 girls and 48 boys in the county.
Leaders at the event said SHOFCO has also intervened in cases of gender-based violence (GBV), offering support and advocacy for victims, while 400 needy learners have received school uniforms to improve attendance and dignity in schools.
Arujo Ward MCA Tonny Otheo commended Odede for supporting early childhood education through donations aimed at improving learning conditions for young children.
Otheo particularly singled out the donation of chairs to Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners across 11 schools in Arujo Ward, saying the intervention restored dignity in classrooms.
“Our young children deserve a decent environment to learn and grow. Dr. Odede stepped in and donated chairs to all ECD learners across 11 schools in Arujo Ward. Sincerely thank him for investing in the future of our children,” Otheo said.
For Dr. Odede, the honor came unexpectedly.
“I did not see this coming. To me, this recognition is about service and about every child whose dreams deserve support, and every community striving for dignity. I’m humbled,” Odede said.
SHOFCO has also constructed more than 50 water pans in Homa Bay, helping communities access water in areas long affected by scarcity.
The organization further established a community resource centre in Oyugis to support social and economic empowerment.
The 3-storey resource centre hosts a community hall, a school library, community lab, and a whole floor dedicated for women empowerment projects.
