Mandela Prize: UN Nairobi hosts Odede, praises him for selfless service to humanity

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) hosted a special ceremony on Wednesday to honor Dr. Kennedy Odede, the Kenyan social entrepreneur and founder of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), following his receipt of the prestigious 2025 United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize.

UNON’s Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura lauded Odede’s relentless commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable during the event, which was attended by diplomats, civil society leaders, and government officials.

“I am here to welcome you to United Nations Nairobi Office to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Kennedy Odede, one of the 2025 Nelson Mandela Prize laureates.

“Today, we gather here in Nairobi, Odede’s home, to extend our own tribute not just as a United Nations family but as fellow Kenyans and Africans and the broader international community,” Bangura said.

The Nelson Mandela Prize, awarded by the UN General Assembly every five years, honors individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity, following the legacy of South Africa’s first post-apartheid President.

Odede is the first Kenyan to win the award.He grew up in Kibera, one of Africa’s largest informal settlements, and has built SHOFCO into a global model for community-driven development.

The organization now reaches over 4.1 million people across Kenya through health, education, advocacy program, gender-based violence prevention & response, Sacco, WASH, and women empowerment program.

The South African High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Johannes Mahlangu, praised Odede as a living embodiment of Mandela’s values.

“Madiba believed in the power of ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Kennedy is living proof of that vision.“

Odede’s organization serves the impoverished in Kenya and by so doing, he brings to life the motto ‘let us make everyday a Mandela Day’,” Mahlangu said in his remarks at the UN Nairobi.

Catherine Nyakoe, who represented Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) Ababu Namwamba at the event, congratulated Odede and affirmed the government’s support for grassroots innovation.

“The work of SHOFCO is line with the government’s development agenda to empower people in situations as stipulated in Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-up Transformative Agenda.

“When Dr. Odede tells us no child is born into invisibility, we have seen it in action from him. You have shown us how a single football has built a life transforming movement,” Nyakoe said.

In his address, Dr. Odede expressed deep gratitude for the honor and shared an emotional reflection on his journey.

“This prize is not just mine. It belongs to every child in Kibera who struggles to dream of a tomorrow. To every young person in Mathare, in Mukuru, in Kisumu, in Garissa, who is told to wait their turn.

“It belongs to every Kenyan who has been pushed to the edges, yet still rises each morning with a fire in their heart and dignity in their soul. I am saying thank you from them, also,” he stated.

The SHOFCO founder also encouraged youth who may be struggling at the moment that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“Mandela taught us that we must never give up hope. You need to hear, though, that hope alone is not enough. The responsibility of youth is not just to dream — it is to activate. To inspire us. To make sure you are being heard. You must refuse invisibility and you must be peaceful. Bring us solutions,” he added.

Leaders and dignitaries who attended the ceremony include Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Vihiga Governor Wilberforce Ottichilo, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Business mogul Manu Chandaria among others.

“Grew up in Kibera, lived as a street boy for a time, but with a desire to make a difference and starting with just a football, he formed a youth Sacco that grew into Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO).

“Today, his work brings hope and services to over 4 million people across the country. What an inspiring story!” Governor Waiguru said.

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