Odede honoured with new road in Mombasa

The Kennedy Odede Access Road was officially unveiled on Wednesday during a ceremony attended by local and national leaders, as well as community members.

The 4.5-kilometer road connects several neighborhoods in the Bangladesh settlement and is expected to ease traffic flow, support local trade, and improve safety for residents—particularly schoolchildren and vendors.

The initiative was led by Jomvu Member of Parliament Badi Twalib, who cited Dr. Odede’s contributions to community development across Kenya, including in the Coast region.

“Dr. Odede is a testament to the idea that one’s background does not determine their potential. He has consistently delivered tangible results—clean water, education support, and youth programs—without empty promises,” Twalib said.

Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, who also attended the ceremony, praised Odede’s grassroots approach to development. “He didn’t wait for political office or high-level positions. He worked directly with communities, and that kind of leadership is what this country needs,” the governor said.

In his remarks, Dr. Odede expressed gratitude for the recognition. “I never imagined a road would carry my name, especially here in Mombasa, where I’ve found community and purpose. This honor encourages me to continue working with underprivileged communities across Kenya,” he said.

SHOFCO operates several community centers in Mombasa, including in Kisauni, Bangladesh, Maweni, Likoni, and Changamwe. These centers provide services such as libraries, computer labs, women’s empowerment programs, and gender-based support. The organization’s local platform, the Shofco Urban Network (SUN), has more than 180,000 members in Mombasa County.