President William Ruto is set to preside over celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Kenya School of Government (KSG), with the event expected to feature the launch of a new leadership academy named after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The three-day celebration at the Kenya School of Government’s Lower Kabete Campus will combine the institution’s centenary celebrations with a high-level policy conference focusing on Kenya’s long-term development agenda.
A major highlight of the event will be the official unveiling of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga Regional Leadership and Governance Academy, established to honour Raila Odinga’s contribution to democratic governance, constitutional reforms, regional diplomacy and Pan-African leadership.
According to the programme, President Ruto will unveil the academy’s commemorative plaque, sign the visitors’ book, receive a briefing on the institution’s century-long history and officially declare the celebrations open.
Leaders to discuss Kenya’s development agenda
Beyond celebrating KSG’s history, the centenary event will bring together government leaders, diplomats, academics and development experts to examine Kenya’s future under the theme “Building National Wealth and Global Competitiveness.”
President Ruto is expected to lead the opening policy dialogue focusing on Kenya’s ambition of achieving First World status.
The session will feature Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who will deliver a presentation on Kenya’s development journey, alongside ambassadors representing China, France, Italy and Azerbaijan.
Participants will spend the next three days discussing a range of policy priorities aimed at accelerating national development.
Among the topics scheduled for discussion are:
- High-value agriculture and industrialisation.
- Education as a driver of economic growth.
- Public service reforms.
- Public-private partnerships.
- Resource mobilisation.
- Public policy research and innovation.
The discussions are expected to generate recommendations on strengthening governance, improving service delivery and enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Century of public service
The celebrations have attracted Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, governors, diplomats, development partners, scholars and senior public servants from across the country.
Founded in 1926, the Kenya School of Government has served as the country’s leading institution for training civil servants, administrators and policymakers.
Over the past century, the institution has played a central role in developing leadership capacity across government by offering professional training in public administration, governance, public finance, policy development and leadership.
Graduation and recognition ceremony
As part of the centenary celebrations, the institution will also hold a graduation ceremony for participants who have completed various professional training programmes.
President Ruto is expected to present certificates to graduates and recognise outstanding performers, highlighting the school’s continued role in preparing a skilled public workforce to support Kenya’s national development priorities.
Organisers say the celebrations will not only commemorate KSG’s 100-year contribution to public service but also provide a platform for shaping policies that will strengthen governance, economic growth and institutional excellence in the decades ahead.
