The University of Nairobi and the Kenya School of Government have established institutions bearing the name of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as part of efforts to preserve his contribution to democracy, leadership and public governance. Mama Ida Odinga disclosed the developments on Thursday, September 17, during a press briefing at Capitol Hill, where she outlined institutional and academic activities planned around the first anniversary of Raila’s death. She said the University of Nairobi is preparing to officially launch the Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy during the commemorative week.

“In this spirit of institutional partnership, we are profoundly grateful for the diplomatic and academic honours being extended in his memory across national institutions,” Mama Ida said.

The centre is expected to provide a platform for academic research and public discussions on democracy and governance. According to reports from the University of Nairobi, the initiative is anchored in the university’s Department of Political Science and Public Administration and has been developed as a longer-term academic programme. Mama Ida also said Daystar University had been preparing an international scholarly symposium to commemorate Raila and examine aspects of his public life and legacy. Daystar and the Odinga family had previously announced plans for a major scholarly conference focused on his legacy.

The Kenya School of Government has also established the Raila Odinga Regional Leadership Academy, which is intended to focus on governance, public-sector leadership and public administration. Mama Ida described the academy as a centre of excellence aimed at fostering governance practices and leadership studies.

“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,” she said.

The academy is based at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi. Reports indicate that it was unveiled during the institution’s centenary celebrations in June 2026. The establishment of the academy followed earlier collaboration between the Kenya School of Government and businessman and philanthropist Dr Manu Chandaria to create a regional centre focused on leadership, innovation and governance.

The institutions come as preparations intensify for activities marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death. His family has established a national steering committee to coordinate commemorative events involving government, political institutions, academia, civil society and the private sector. Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India. He served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and was the long-serving leader of the Orange Democratic Movement. The planned academic centres and symposium will add an institutional dimension to the anniversary activities, with universities and public-sector institutions providing platforms for research, leadership studies and discussions on democracy and governance.