Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) Founder and CEO Dr. Kennedy Odede has been hailed for his community services that have uplifted the lives of Nyanza region residents.

Speaking during his coronation as Luo Council of Elders Deputy Chairman on Saturday in Rarieda, James Ayaga said through SHOFCO, Dr. Odede has rehabilitated several water pans, offered scholarships to students, distributed maize seeds, and launched several youth and women empowerment programs in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya and Migori counties.

“What our son Odede has done in this region is commendable. I’m calling on all residents of Nyanza region including political leaders to support and allow him to roll out programs that can change the lives of our people,” Ayaga said.

The deputy chair further said he has seen what Dr. Odede has done in Nairobi after he visited SHOFCO sites earlier this year.

“I have seen what he has done in Nairobi and it’s not only there; he is changing lives across Kenya. Odede is our son. We want to welcome him home and support him in whatever he does because he is doing great things,” he added.

At the same time, Ayaga thanked Dr. Odede for the support he accorded him during installation preparations.

“I love him (Odede) because he respects and supports our community traditions,” he stated.

In a statement delivered by SHOFCO Urban Network (SUN) Kisumu County Chairman Allan Metho, Dr. Odede underscored the value of embracing culture and tradition, saying it has helped in bringing the community together.

“Our culture and tradition are important and we should write them down for the future generation to read.

“Preserving our culture is essential for fostering identity, diversity, and community cohesion. It enriches the lives of our people and contributes to a more vibrant and inclusive society,” Dr. Odede stated.

In June, 40 elders led by Ayaga installed Dr. Odede as a Luo elder saying despite his young age, the SHOFCO boss has done a lot for the community.

The SHOFCO boss was in Siaya to launch a new 3-storey community centre in bid to scale up his empowerment activities in the county.

The new centre hosts women and youth empowerment programs, key among them are a school library, tailoring floor, gender office, a community hall, and computer lab.

“We want to create opportunities for our youth and women. We need to equip them for the job market, prepare them to do business and make them become people who can be the voice of reason in their communities,” Dr. Odede said during the launch.

The coronation came two months after the SHOFCO founder met Luo Council of Elders Chairman Ker Odungi Randa at his home in Nyando, Kisumu County.

During the meeting, Ker Randa said Dr. Odede has done a lot for Kenya and he deserves to be appreciated.

“I have been looking for you. I’m happy to see you today and I bless the work of your hands,” Ker told Odede.

The installation of Ayaga as Luo Council of Elders Deputy Chair was attended by several political leaders led by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo.