Youth Alive! Kenya: Today, we are honored to have Joseph Oduor with us, a remarkable young leader, Pan Africanist, human rights defender, urbanist, and governance enthusiast. Joseph, could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Joseph: Thank you for having me. I am a youth leader who is deeply committed to social change and community development. I am also a certified health researcher with NIH and a mental health and wellness practitioner. Besides, I am the Vice Chair of the Imara Alumni association, having been a fellow in the Imara Fellowship cohort 2. My passion lies in advocating for SDGs, youth affairs, governance, peace, and accountability.

This year, I will be pursuing a Master’s degree in Governance & Ethics at Mount Kenya University, building on my Bachelor’s in Sociology with IT from Maseno University. My journey has been shaped significantly by my affiliation with Youth Alive! Kenya’s Kisumu Working Group, which has provided incredible support and nurturing to young leaders like myself.

Youth Alive! Kenya: That’s truly impressive, Joseph. Can you tell us more about your organization, Leaders for Leaders Champion (LLCO), and the causes you champion?

Joseph: Certainly! Leaders for Leaders Champion (LLCO) is a leading grassroots youth-led organization based in Kisumu County. Our work revolves around two major thematic areas – Just Leadership, Good Governance/Democracy & Accountability, and New Urban Agenda & SDGs implementation. We have chapters in Siaya and Homabay with a dedicated team of 100 volunteers and seven staff members in Kisumu.

Our target is to empower youths in and out of school, women, and persons with disabilities in populous settlement areas and rural communities. We actively participate in local and global engagements, moderating, facilitating, and organizing events to promote youth agendas and contribute to the realization of SDGs. Our vision is to create a just society with accountable individuals, and our motto is “Ability is a Tool.” LLCO is proud to partner with several organizations, including Community Led Solutions, Youth Alive! Kenya, Democracy Moves, UNHabitat, DSU, TEAM, Siasa Place, and YSO Consortium.

Youth Alive! Kenya: As a young leader, what challenges do  you face in your work?

Joseph: The challenges I encounter are multifaceted. One of the greatest challenges is my personal growth and commitment to being a holistic, industrious, and humane person. In my community, many young people face difficulties such as poverty, bad governance, corruption, police excesses, drugs, and crime, making our work even more crucial. Additionally, making my mother proud has been a personal challenge, as I strive to achieve my wildest dreams and visions despite the obstacles, funding limitations, lack of office space, and the post-COVID effects.

Youth Alive! Kenya: Despite these challenges, what are some of your proudest achievements as a young leader?

Joseph: One of the proudest moments for LLCO was being published in the Nation newspaper in November 2021 for our advocacy work in Kisumu, promoting peace and good governance among young people through the Husika Forum KE. This recognition gave us renewed determination not to give up despite the hurdles we face.

Youth Alive! Kenya: What has it taken to achieve your success, and what advice would you give to other young leaders trying to build organizations?

Joseph: To achieve success, I believe in the power of volunteering, learning, and building partnerships. Aspiring leaders should seek work opportunities, earn a living, or engage in business while nurturing their dreams, passion, and commitment to their vision. Finding like-minded individuals who can support your dreams is crucial, and it is essential to start small with a focus on the ultimate goal. Our communities need community-oriented leaders and organizations, so be that leader and create footprints that leave a positive impact on vulnerable populations.

Youth Alive! Kenya: That is really good advice. Would you be having any parting shot?

Joseph: My parting short is youths are a wholesome people. For wholesome communities, let’s grant our youth every opportunity and support.

Youth Alive! Kenya: Thank you, Joseph, for sharing your inspiring journey and insightful advice with us. Your dedication to creating positive change in your community is truly commendable. Any parting short.

Joseph: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure sharing my experiences and passion for making a difference. Together, we can empower more young leaders and create a brighter future for all.