The Kenya School of Government (KSG) has established the Raila Odinga Regional Leadership Academy, a new centre expected to focus on governance, public sector leadership and public administration.
The academy is located at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi and was unveiled during the institution’s centenary celebrations in June 2026, according to information provided by the school.
The establishment comes as the Odinga family prepares to mark the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister and former ODM leader Raila Odinga, who died on October 15, 2025, aged 80.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, September 17, Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, described the academy as one of the initiatives associated with preserving his legacy.
“The Kenya School of Government has established the Raila Odinga Regional Leadership Academy, designated as a centre of excellence to foster diligent governance practices, public sector leadership, and public administration studies,” Ida said.
Academy to focus on leadership and governance
The academy has been designated as a centre of excellence for leadership and governance studies.
Its stated areas of focus include public sector leadership, public administration and governance practices. The Kenya School of Government also expects the institution to contribute to leadership development, governance, innovation and public policy work.
The academy’s establishment provides an institutional platform for studies and programmes centred on public leadership and administration.
For the Odinga family, the initiative comes as they prepare for activities marking one year since Raila’s death.
Ida said the legacy associated with her late husband extends beyond his political supporters.
“As we approach the first anniversary of his passing, we recognize that his legacy belongs to every Kenyan who believes in democracy, justice, and peace,” she said.
She added that this included Kenyans who held political views different from those of the former Prime Minister.
Raila’s political and public career
Raila died while receiving medical treatment in India on October 15, 2025.
He served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 under the coalition government formed after the disputed 2007 presidential election.
He also led the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for many years and was a prominent figure in Kenya’s multiparty politics.
His political career spanned several decades, during which he held various government and opposition positions and participated in successive presidential elections.
The new academy is among the institutional initiatives now being associated with his name following his death.
Family sets up anniversary committee
The Odinga family has also established a national steering committee to coordinate activities surrounding the first anniversary and other initiatives related to Raila.
Ida said the committee would have direct oversight of the commemorative events.
“The family has instituted a national steering committee,” she said.
She further stated that all commemorative activities, events and institutional initiatives concerning the celebration of Raila’s life would be conducted under the committee’s guidance.
The committee is expected to coordinate the family’s programme as the October 15 anniversary approaches.
With the Raila Odinga Regional Leadership Academy already established at the Kenya School of Government, the institution is set to become one of the formal platforms through which leadership, governance and public administration studies will be linked to the former Prime Minister’s name.
