Education CS Julius Ogamba Petitioned to Rename TUK to Raila Odinga Technical University

Education CS Julius Ogamba Petitioned to Rename TUK to Raila Odinga Technical University

A passionate petition has reached the Ministry of Education, urging Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to rename the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

The proposal, made by former senior presidential advisor Moses Kuria, seeks to immortalize Raila’s immense contribution to the engineering and technical education sector. Kuria said the renaming would serve as a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to education, innovation, and public service.

“I have today written to Education CS Julius Ogamba requesting to rename the Technical University of Kenya to Raila Odinga Technical University,” Kuria stated.

He insisted that if he were in the Education CS’s position, he would immediately approve the request, noting Raila’s deep connection to the institution.

“If I were CS, I would do it straight away,” he added confidently.

Honouring Raila’s Engineering Legacy

Kuria traced the roots of TUK, explaining that it once operated as the Engineering Department of the University of Nairobi (UoN), where Raila Odinga himself served as a lecturer. Over time, the department evolved into Kenya Polytechnic, later upgraded to the Technical University of Kenya.

“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,” Kuria explained.

He emphasized that renaming TUK after Raila would be symbolic recognition of his lifelong commitment to empowering Kenyan youth through technical and vocational skills.

According to Kuria, such a move would “preserve Raila’s intellectual legacy” and inspire future generations to pursue technical disciplines with the same passion and patriotism.

Legal Process for Renaming

However, the renaming of a public university in Kenya follows a clearly defined legal process under the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012 (Revised 2016), the Technical University of Kenya Charter (2013), and the Constitution of Kenya (2010).

The process must begin with a formal proposal from either the Education CS or the University Council. Public participation is mandatory, involving consultations with the University Senate, Commission for University Education (CUE), students, alumni, staff unions, and the general public.

After these consultations, the University Council must submit a detailed recommendation to the CUE and the Education CS. The CUE then reviews the proposal to ensure compliance with national policy and higher education standards.

If the CUE is satisfied, the final recommendation goes to the President of Kenya for approval. Once the President signs a Legal Notice, the new name is officially gazetted, making it legally binding.

Finally, the Ministry of Education and the University Council would implement the change across all university documents, branding, and public records.

A Nation Reflects

Kuria’s proposal has stirred mixed emotions among Kenyans. Many see it as a powerful way to honour Raila Odinga’s unmatched legacy, while others argue that the government should first prioritize improving infrastructure in learning institutions before renaming them.

Still, for millions of Kenyans who admired Raila’s vision, the idea of a Raila Odinga Technical University feels like a just and lasting tribute to a man who spent his life shaping both Kenya’s democracy and its education system.

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Education CS Julius Ogamba Petitioned to Rename TUK to Raila Odinga Technical University