In a move to expand grassroots empowerment across Nyanza, Dr. Kennedy Odede, founder and CEO of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), has unveiled two new community empowerment centres in Siaya and Kisumu counties, marking a significant expansion of SHOFCO’s footprint in the region.
The 3-storey centres, strategically located in Gem Sub-County and Kisumu West Sub-County, aim to offer holistic services including education, vocational training, gender-based support, youth empowerment, and school libraries to underserved communities.
Addressing the public during the launch ceremonies, Dr. Odede said the move is part of SHOFCO’s commitment to reach marginalized populations with dignity-centered development.
“These centres are more than just buildings, they are promises fulfilled. They represent hope for young people, safety for women, and opportunities for families struggling to access basic services. We believe in a Nyanza where no one is left behind,” Dr. Odede said.
SHOFCO, which began in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, has grown into a national grassroots movement operating in over 36 counties, serving 4.1 million people annually.
Its model integrates community-driven development with direct services, including education, health, water and sanitation, economic empowerment through a Sacco, gender services, women and youth empowerment activities.
At the Kisumu launch event, Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Bovince Ochieng, praised SHOFCO’s approach to inclusive growth.
“Access to quality education and life skills is the foundation of any thriving society. SHOFCO’s centre in Kisumu will complement county initiatives, and together we can break cycles of poverty and marginalization,” he said.
The new Kisumu facility features a modern digital learning computer lab, vocational workshops, a GBV response unit, and youth mentorship hubs.
Vincent Jakongo, the MCA for Kisumu North West Ward, lauded SHOFCO’s entry as a powerful catalyst for local empowerment.
“This centre is an answered prayer for many. Our youth need spaces where they can dream, train, and rise, and SHOFCO is giving them that chance. We commit as a county leadership to work closely with them,” the MCA said.
In Siaya, the 3-storey centre in Gem will act as a multi-purpose hub for women-led enterprises, youth skilling programs, a library, and a gender response office.
MCA for West Gem Ward Susan Okwiri, described the Siaya centre as a milestone for rural empowerment.
“For decades, our people have waited for real investment in their potential. SHOFCO is doing what others only talk about—bringing services to our doorsteps and putting power back into the hands of the community,” she said.
With SHOFCO placing a strong emphasis on education as a driver of change, the county government expressed strong support.
The twin launches come just months after SHOFCO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Siaya County Government, committing to collaborative work in agriculture, health, youth development, and gender equity.
The organization has also pledged to expand clean water access, seed distribution programs, and GBV interventions across Nyanza.
With the new investments and others, the organization hopes to serve over 400,000 residents across Kisumu and Siaya counties.
The new facility in Siaya adds the number to four community resource centres across the county, spread in Ugenya, Bondo and Siaya town. While in Kisumu, the centre is the 7th one.
