Kennedy Odede: TIME100's Most Influential People in 2024

SHOFCO is proud to announce that its CEO and founder, Kennedy Odede, has been named one of the world’s most influential people in 2024 by TIME100. This honor coincides with a significant milestone as SHOFCO marks its 20th anniversary of empowering local communities to shape their own futures with voice, access, and knowledge.

Kennedy’s recognition places him alongside past honorees such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Oprah Winfrey, and Barack Obama, underscoring the global impact of his belief in the power of community.

Under Kennedy's leadership, SHOFCO’s Urban Network (SUN) has seen over 2.4 million community members across Kenya unite to advocate for transformative change, signaling a shift from urban promise to national promise. This year also brings into focus the challenges of the 'urban spring', exacerbated by the implications of climate change, which the organization is poised to address.

  

 

As SHOFCO celebrates this achievement, it also reflects on the profound influence of community leaders like Julia Njoki, a resident of the Mathare slums and a survivor of gender-based violence, who served as the elected Chairperson of SUN for four years. Her leadership and commitment to community action highlight the real-world impact of SHOFCO’s initiatives.

The recognition by TIME100 is not just a personal accolade for Kennedy, but a testament to the collective spirit and resilience of the more than 5 million people impacted by SHOFCO since its inception in 2004, along with its global network of donors and supporters. SHOFCO extends its deepest gratitude to all who continue to support their mission, inviting them to remain engaged as they press forward in empowering vulnerable communities with dignity and hope.

Visit SHOFCO.ORG to learn more.