Dr. Kenedy Odede, founder of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), has been honoured with the prestigious 2025 UN Nelson Mandela Prize for his social justice work.
He was presented the award during a ceremony held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, July 18, 2025.
The prize, which is awarded every five years, aims to recognise the achievements of those who dedicated their lives to the services of humanity and guided by the UN principles.

Posting on his X account, Odede appreciated for the new achievement.
“Honored by the #NelsonMandelaPrize. Mandela’s name “Rolihlahla” means “troublemaker”—the good kind that stirs courage, justice, and compassion. If that means fighting for dignity, equality, and peace, count me in. Let’s keep making #GoodTrouble. The world needs more Rolihlahlas,” he wrote on his X post.

