The University of Nairobi is set to establish the Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy (ROCD) in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his long-standing contribution to Kenya’s democratic struggle.
The centre is envisioned as a hub for public dialogue, research and innovation on democracy and governance.
It will be anchored in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, through the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, in partnership with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.
The establishment of the centre was discussed during a courtesy visit by Mama Ida Odinga and her daughter, Winnie Odinga, to University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Prof Ayub Gitau.
The meeting focused on plans to establish and operationalise the centre, which the university says will preserve and advance the democratic values associated with Raila Odinga’s public life.
The Vice-Chancellor said the institution would go beyond simply commemorating Raila Odinga.
“We will not merely commemorate a life; we will launch an enduring University institution dedicated to advancing the democratic values, scholarship and public dialogue associated with his contribution,” Prof Gitau said.
The university said the centre will provide a platform for scholars, students, policymakers and members of the public to engage in discussions on democracy and governance.
Mama Ida Odinga welcomed the establishment of the centre, describing it as a fitting tribute to her late husband.
She challenged the university to ensure the institution produces independent thinkers capable of questioning and examining issues affecting society.
“It is the people inside that give the Centre meaning, not just the name on the outside. Let the Centre belong to you, the people,” she said.
Ida Odinga further urged the university community to make the centre a space where ideas and democratic values can be explored freely.
She said its success would depend on the people who use and shape it rather than simply the name attached to the institution.
Winnie Odinga also reflected on her father’s lifelong commitment to democracy and constitutional development in Kenya.
She said Raila had devoted much of his life to the pursuit of democratic reforms.
She envisioned a centre that would help nurture generations of Kenyans who are not afraid to ask difficult questions and critically examine the country’s democratic institutions.
She also challenged the centre to encourage deeper conversations about elections, leadership and the value of democratic participation.
The meeting was also attended by the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellors responsible for Finance and Development, and Research, Innovation and Enterprise.
They described the centre as a fitting legacy for a leader who played a significant role in Kenya’s democratic and constitutional development.
The university said the centre will support research and public engagement on democracy while creating opportunities for academic and professional collaboration.
It is expected to provide a platform for public lectures, research programmes, policy discussions and other activities focused on democratic governance.
Plans are underway for the inauguration of the Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy.
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