The Ministry of Education is facing fresh calls to immortalize the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga through one of Kenya’s leading technical institutions. Former presidential advisor Moses Kuria has formally petitioned Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to rename the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) to Raila Odinga Technical University.
Kuria says the move would honour Raila’s long-standing contribution to engineering and technical education in Kenya—a field the opposition leader both studied and taught in before his political career began.
Why Moses Kuria Wants CS Julius Ogamba to Rename TUK to Raila Odinga Technical University
In a letter addressed to Education CS Julius Ogamba, Kuria stated that Raila Odinga’s legacy in engineering deserves permanent recognition. He argued that renaming TUK would be the most fitting tribute to the late leader’s passion for technical education and his academic service.
“I have today written to Education CS Julius Ogamba requesting to rename the Technical University of Kenya to Raila Odinga Technical University,” Kuria announced, adding, “If I were CS, I would do it straight away.”
The former Senior Advisor in the President’s Council of Economic Advisors highlighted that TUK’s origins are closely linked to the University of Nairobi (UoN), where Raila once lectured in the School of Engineering. Originally an engineering wing of UoN, the institution was later known as the Kenya Polytechnic before being upgraded to a fully-fledged university.
Kuria said this shared history makes TUK the most symbolic place to bear Raila’s name. “Engineer Raila Odinga was not just a lecturer at the UoN School of Engineering. He was an ardent believer in technical education since his days at Madelberg College in Germany,” he explained.
Why Raila Odinga Technical University Would Matter
According to Kuria, naming TUK after Raila Odinga would send a powerful message to young Kenyans about valuing education, innovation, and national service. He described Raila as a visionary who believed in building Kenya’s future through technical skills and industrial development.
“Raila always championed for youth empowerment through technical institutions,” Kuria wrote. “He often said that Kenya’s transformation would rely on engineers, scientists, and innovators—not just politicians.”
Many education stakeholders view Raila’s influence on technical education as profound. Before entering politics, he worked at the Kenya Bureau of Standards, contributed to curriculum development for engineering programs, and promoted the creation of polytechnics across the country.
Kuria believes that giving his name to TUK would also strengthen the identity of the institution. “It would inspire pride among students and staff while elevating TUK’s status as a premier hub of innovation and industrial training,” he said.
How TUK Could Be Renamed Raila Odinga Technical University
The process of renaming a public university in Kenya is governed by several legal frameworks, including the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, the Technical University of Kenya Charter (2013), and the Constitution of Kenya (2010)—especially Articles 10, 43, and 232, which emphasize public participation, the right to education, and good governance.
The proposal must begin with either the Education CS or the University Council of TUK. From there, public consultations would be held with various stakeholders—students, staff unions, alumni, and the general public—to collect opinions and feedback.
After these consultations, the University Council would submit a formal recommendation to the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Education CS. CUE would then evaluate whether the proposed name aligns with Kenya’s national education policy and higher learning standards.
If satisfied, CUE would forward its approval to the President through the Education CS. The President would then issue a Legal Notice in the Kenya Gazette formally changing the university’s name and amending its Charter.
Once gazetted, the new name—Raila Odinga Technical University—would become legally binding. The Ministry of Education and the University Council would then update all institutional records, signage, and branding to reflect the new identity.
Public Reaction and Political Undertones
Kuria’s proposal has drawn mixed reactions online. Supporters of the late Raila Odinga have praised the idea, calling it a “fitting tribute” to one of Kenya’s most influential statesmen. They argue that Raila’s impact on education, democracy, and governance deserves permanent recognition in the academic world.
However, some critics question whether renaming a public institution should be driven by political motives. Others have called for public consultations to ensure that the views of students, staff, and alumni are considered before any official decision is made.
Still, Kuria maintains that his proposal is not political but historical. “This is about honouring a man who built his legacy on education and engineering long before politics,” he wrote.
If approved, Raila Odinga Technical University would become one of the first major public institutions named after the former prime minister—cementing his influence in both Kenya’s education system and national history.
