Kuria's Renaming Proposal

Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, proposing the renaming of the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) to Raila Odinga Technical University. The suggestion, made on Saturday, October 18, 2025, aims to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's contributions to technical education in Kenya.

Kuria, a former Gatundu South Member of Parliament, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that if he were in charge of the education docket, he would not hesitate to implement the change. He highlighted Odinga's background as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi's School of Engineering and his strong belief in technical education, stemming from his studies at Madelberg College in Germany.

Raila Odinga's Educational and Professional Background

Raila Amolo Odinga, born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu District, was a prominent figure in Kenyan politics and public service. He pursued his higher education in East Germany, attending the Herder Institution in Leipzig to learn German before enrolling at the Technical University of Magdeburg.

In 1970, Odinga earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon his return to Kenya, he served as an assistant lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nairobi from 1970 to 1974. During this period, he also ventured into engineering-related businesses, including East African Spectre, Ltd., a company that manufactures liquid petroleum gas cylinders.

He later joined the Kenya Bureau of Standards in 1974, rising to the position of Deputy Director by 1978, a role he held until his detention in 1982.

Historical Context of TUK and Odinga's Link

The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) was formerly known as The Kenya Polytechnic and served as the engineering wing of the University of Nairobi. Kuria's proposal underscores Odinga's two-year tenure at the University of Nairobi's engineering department, suggesting this connection as a basis for the renaming.

Governance and Policy Implications

The renaming of a public university in Kenya typically involves a formal process that includes proposals to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and subsequent approval. Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba assumed office on August 8, 2024, following his appointment by President William Ruto. Ogamba holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi and has a background as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

While Moses Kuria has formally submitted his request, the timeline for a decision from the Ministry of Education remains unknown. The proposal is likely to generate public discussion and debate, given Raila Odinga's significant political stature and the historical importance of TUK.

What to Watch

The public and educational stakeholders will be keenly watching the response from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba and the Ministry of Education regarding this proposal. Any decision will undoubtedly be a subject of national interest and discussion.