Shofco deepens footprint in Migori with empowerment programmes

Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) has deepened its footprint in Migori County with a series of empowerment programmes targeting youth, entrepreneurs, and communities facing water scarcity.

The organization has touched thousands of lives through its initiatives, which promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.

With more than 42,000 members under the Shofco Urban Network (SUN) in Migori alone, the county is now among SHOFCO’s fastest-growing regions in Kenya.

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SUN, a grassroots movement led by the community, now boasts more than 6.2 million members across the country.

In Migori, SHOFCO has rehabilitated and desilted 23 water pans to address long-standing water challenges. The initiative has provided reliable access to clean water while encouraging fish farming and small-scale irrigation—helping households turn “water into wealth.”

SHOFCO Founder and CEO Dr. Kennedy Odede said the organization’s model is rooted in community-driven transformation.

“Real change begins when communities take charge of their own destiny. In Migori, we see people coming together to build a future that is dignified and inclusive. SHOFCO is simply the bridge that connects people to their potential,” Dr. Odede said during the SUN elections in the county on Wednesday.

The organization’s empowerment programmes have reached more than 44,000 young people in Migori through entrepreneurship and advocacy training. The training focuses on leadership, business development, and civic engagement, equipping participants with the tools to transform their communities.

So far, SHOFCO has supported 700 small businesses with funding to help them recover and expand. In addition, 200 youth have enrolled in vocational training programs in fields such as tailoring, mechanics, ICT, and construction.

As part of its youth empowerment agenda, SHOFCO has also provided seed funding to 2,000 young people to start their own ventures. Dr. Odede announced that an additional 1,000 youth in Migori will receive business grants in 2026.

Migori Deputy Governor Dr. Joseph Mahiri hailed the partnership between SHOFCO and the county government as a model for effective collaboration.

“The partnership between SHOFCO and Migori County is a testament to what happens when public and community-based institutions work hand in hand. Together, we are proving that sustainable development is not imposed from above—it is co-created with the people,” Dr. Mahiri said.

South Sakwa Ward MCA and County Assembly Majority Leader Edward Ouma Ooro praised SHOFCO’s initiatives for inspiring self-reliance among local youth.

“Our youth are no longer waiting for opportunities — they are creating them. Thanks to SHOFCO’s programs, many families in the county have a renewed sense of purpose and economic stability,” said Ooro.

Former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo, who attended the Migori SUN elections, described SHOFCO as a national movement for transformation.

“What SHOFCO is doing goes far beyond charity. It represents a people-driven revolution, a Kenyan story of unity and empowerment that should be replicated across all 47 counties,” he said.

Founded by Dr. Odede, who grew up in Nairobi’s Kibera slum, SHOFCO has grown into one of Kenya’s largest grassroots movements, operating in 40 counties and reaching more than 4.1 million Kenyans. The organization delivers services in clean water, healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and youth development.

Dr. Odede has received several global accolades for his work, including the 2025 UN Nelson Mandela Prize and recognition by Time Magazine as one of the world’s 100 most influential people alongside President William Ruto.