Simon Otieno Odero is a Kenyan illustrator, painter, and designer based in Nairobi with decades of experience in visual storytelling. A Fine Art graduate of Kenyatta University, Simon has worked with leading organizations including the World Bank, The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, and SIL Africa, creating illustrations for educational books, language projects, and cultural publications across Africa. His work blends artistic skill with a passion for communication—transforming ideas into compelling visual narratives. Beyond illustration, Simon has contributed to major murals such as the Human Origins mural at the National Museums of Kenya and has taught and mentored many young artists in fine and commercial art. Through illustration, painting, and design, Simon continues to use art to educate, inspire, and celebrate African stories.

Simon Otieno Odero

Simon Otieno Odero is a Kenyan illustrator, painter, and designer based in Nairobi with decades of experience in visual storytelling. A Fine Art graduate of Kenyatta University, Simon has worked with leading organizations including the World Bank, The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, and SIL Africa, creating illustrations for educational books, language projects, and cultural publications across Africa. His work blends artistic skill with a passion for communication—transforming ideas into compelling visual narratives. Beyond illustration, Simon has contributed to major murals such as the Human Origins mural at the National Museums of Kenya and has taught and mentored many young artists in fine and commercial art. Through illustration, painting, and design, Simon continues to use art to educate, inspire, and celebrate African stories.

Available to hire

Simon Otieno Odero is a Kenyan illustrator, painter, and designer based in Nairobi with decades of experience in visual storytelling. A Fine Art graduate of Kenyatta University, Simon has worked with leading organizations including the World Bank, The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, and SIL Africa, creating illustrations for educational books, language projects, and cultural publications across Africa.
His work blends artistic skill with a passion for communication—transforming ideas into compelling visual narratives. Beyond illustration, Simon has contributed to major murals such as the Human Origins mural at the National Museums of Kenya and has taught and mentored many young artists in fine and commercial art.
Through illustration, painting, and design, Simon continues to use art to educate, inspire, and celebrate African stories.

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Language

Swahili
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Illustrator and Designer at World Bank – Read at Home (R@H) project
October 1, 2022 - Present
Illustrations for Read at Home (R@H); Grade 7 school books; World Bank project involvement
Freelance Illustrator/Designer at Various Freelance Clients (The JK Foundation, The World Bank, Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, Bible Society of Kenya, S.I.L. Africa, etc.)
April 1, 2022 - September 30, 2022
Illustrations and design work for multiple clients including education, publishing, and development projects
Illustrator and Team Coordinator at GPE South Sudan
September 1, 2021 - November 30, 2021
Illustrator and team coordination for South Sudan education curriculum project
Illustrator/Designer at DR Congo School Curriculum Project
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2021
Illustrations for DR Congo school curriculum

Education

Certificate in Creative Entrepreneurship at Reaping the Value of Artistic Creativity
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017
Bachelor of Art (Fine Art) 2nd Class Hons (Upper Division) at Kenyatta University, Nairobi
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1994

Qualifications

Certificate in Graphic Design
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008
Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (K.A.C.E.)
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1989
Kenya Certificate of Education (K.C.E.) Division 2
January 1, 1987 - December 31, 1987
Certificate in Creative Entrepreneurship
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017
Certificate in Graphic Design
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008

Industry Experience

Other, Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Government
    uniE621 Cars in mud
    Cars navigating mud
    paper Reading and relaxing
    Difference between reading and relaxing.
    paper Welcome to Kenya
    A scene of the Kenyan coast
    paper Digital Illustrations
    A science-based illustration about career choices for young people.
    uniE621 Asantehene, the Ghanian King
    Asantehene on his throne, all dressed up with gold rings, bracelets and chains. illustration book illustration
    uniE621 Eve and Adam eating the fruit as snake looks on ecstatically
    Eve and Adam eating the fruit as snake looks on ecstatically. illustration book illustration
    uniE621 South Sudan woman collecting beans on field.
    South Sudan woman colleting beans on field. poster illustration illustration
    uniE621 Cartoon illustration of female teacher and illustrations on board
    Cartoon illustration of female teacher and illustrations on board. cartoon illustration book illustration
    uniE621 Wild and domestic animals
    wild and domestic animals. illustration book illustration