Some of the presidential campaign manifestos of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga will be incorporated into the curriculum of the newly established Raila Amolo Odinga School of Leadership and Governance under the Kenya School of Government (KSG).
The academy, which was launched on Tuesday by President William Ruto during the Kenya School of Government’s centenary celebrations, aims to preserve and teach Raila’s philosophy on good governance, democracy, public service, and Africa’s development.
Kenya School of Government Director-General Prof. Nura Mohamed said the first cohort of students is expected to begin classes in September.
He explained that the institution’s curriculum will be built around five key pillars that have defined Raila’s political career: African unity, inclusive leadership, good governance, education and innovation, and peace and justice.
“During his presidential campaigns, Raila presented several manifestos, and some of their proposals will be incorporated into the academy’s curriculum so that his vision can continue to inspire future leaders,” Prof. Mohamed said.
He added that a comparison between Raila’s most recent manifesto and the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) revealed significant areas of convergence.
According to Prof. Mohamed, the courses will be designed around Raila’s vision for Kenya and the African continent.
Beyond academic programmes, the academy will house the Raila Odinga Library and an archival centre dedicated to preserving his speeches, writings, and contributions to governance and politics.
The institution will also establish the Chandaria Innovation Centre, funded by businessman Manu Chandaria, as well as a Centre of Excellence in Customer Service and Productivity aimed at improving the performance of public servants.
Prof. Mohamed said the academy plans to invite renowned global leaders to deliver lectures on leadership, including former United States President Barack Obama and current and former heads of state from various countries.
He noted that the goal is to position Kenya as a leading centre for dialogue on good governance, public service, and Africa’s development.
According to the academy’s concept paper, the institution will also serve as a hub for research, public policy advisory services, and innovative solutions to national challenges such as corruption, unemployment, poverty, infrastructure development, and devolution.
It will establish policy analysis centres to support government ministries, Parliament, county governments, and the Judiciary, while publishing policy outlook reports and quarterly assessments on productivity within the public service.
Prof. Mohamed said the academy will cater to Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, senior government officials, and emerging leaders preparing for careers in both the public and private sectors.
He added that executive leadership programmes will be limited to between 15 and 20 participants to encourage in-depth discussions on strategies for transforming African countries through effective leadership.
The academy will also offer mentorship programmes for young leaders, promote innovation, support mental health initiatives for public servants, and develop a digital knowledge repository documenting Raila Odinga’s life and legacy.
“Raila’s legacy will continue to live on. We are committed to ensuring that his vision, ideals, and philosophy continue to guide efforts to build a better Kenya and inspire the African continent,” Prof. Mohamed said.
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