Shofco CEO Dr Kennedy Odede with Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule during the opening of Kimbilio Safe House in Kilifi North./HANDOUT
A few years ago, Gladys Mwaka had little hope of earning a stable income. The mother of three relied on casual jobs to support her family and struggled to make ends meet.
Today, she runs her own tailoring business in Kilifi town after receiving training from Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco) and securing a loan from Shofco Sacco to purchase sewing equipment and expand her enterprise.
“I can now pay school fees for my children and provide for my family. The training and loan changed my life. I am now an independent woman,” she said.
Speaking during the election of new Shofco Urban Network (SUN) leaders in Kilifi which brought together more than 5,000 members, Dr Kennedy Odede, Shofco founder and chief executive officer, said the organisation was committed to ensuring that communities have the opportunities and resources needed to transform their lives.
“Development is most effective when communities are at the centre of creating solutions to the challenges they face. Our goal is not simply to provide support but to empower people with skills, and opportunities and that enable them to build sustainable future for themselves and their families,” Dr. Odede said on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
He said Shofco's investments in Kilifi were focused on education, economic empowerment and community organising.
According to the organisation, more than 500 students in the county have received scholarships and1,500 young people have been sponsored to pursue technical and vocational training.
Through Shofco's TVET scholarship programme, Isaac Ndogo enrolled in an electrical installation course and has since secured employment.
“After finishing Form Four, I stayed at home because my family could not afford to take me to college. I had almost given up on my dream of becoming an electrician. The scholarship changed my life,” Ndogo said.
Jerusha Kale, founder of Cahed CBO, said the support from Shofco enabled the organisation to expand its farming activities.
“Before the support, we had big dreams but very limited resources. The funding helped us expand our farming projects that now feed families and generate income, and we were able to open a school for children who previously had no access to education,” Jerusha said.
Shofco has further invested in women's economic empowerment, with 1,200 women receiving training in hands-on skills.
Flora Chibule, Kilifi Deputy Governor, commended Shofco for its growing footprint in the county, saying the organisation had become a key partner in improving the lives of residents.
“Shofcohas touched the lives of thousands of people in Kilifi through education, skills development and economic empowerment programmes. The county government appreciates this partnership because it complements our efforts to uplift communities and create opportunities for our people,” Chibule said.
She also thanked the organisation for collaborating with the county government on several initiatives, including the recently launched Kimbilio Safe House for survivors of gender-based violence.
“The partnership between Shofco and the county government has demonstrated what can be achieved when development partners and local leaders work together. The safe house and other programmes are making a real difference in the lives of our residents,” she said.
Dr Odede said the election of new SUN leaders marked another milestone in strengthening community ownership and ensuring that development initiatives are driven by local priorities.
“As we elect new leaders today, we are strengthening a movement that believes ordinary people have the power to transform their communities,” he said.
