NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat has paid glowing tribute to the late Raila Amollo Odinga, describing him as a statesman, patriot, and visionary leader whose life’s work laid the foundation for the country’s long-term development blueprint.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Vision 2030 Director-General Kenneth Mwige said Odinga’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic and economic transformation would forever define his legacy.
“Raila Odinga’s name will be forever etched in Kenya’s history as a man whose life was shaped by self-sacrifice, sustained by principle, and devoted to national service,” Mwige said.
Born in 1945 to independence leader Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila’s public life spanned more than five decades — from the fight for multiparty democracy to his role as Prime Minister (2008–2013), where he was instrumental in rolling out key Vision 2030 projects.
Architect of Kenya’s development blueprint
The statement credited Odinga with helping conceptualize and anchor Vision 2030 through the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) in 2006, which he helped establish to steer long-term national planning and policy reforms.
During his tenure as Prime Minister in the Grand Coalition Government, Odinga oversaw transformative projects such as the Thika Superhighway, expansion of the Port of Mombasa, and groundwork for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)—infrastructure pillars that became cornerstones of Vision 2030.
He also championed reforms in the energy sector, expanding geothermal and wind power generation and accelerating rural electrification to spur local economies.
Champion of inclusive governance and unity
Odinga’s advocacy for inclusion, justice, and equity, the statement noted, culminated in the 2010 Constitution, which introduced devolution — a major political pillar of Vision 2030 designed to ensure equitable regional growth.
His 2018 Handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta was hailed as an act of statesmanship that reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to peace and national unity.
In his later years, Odinga pushed for a “Broadband Government”, envisioning a digital Kenya driven by technology, innovation, and youth entrepreneurship.
Mwige said this foresight helped shape modern e-governance platforms like e-Citizen, positioning Kenya for a knowledge-based economy.
A visionary remembered
Beyond politics, Odinga is remembered as a compassionate leader who bridged communities and generations.
“His life was a blend of courage and humility, struggle and vision,” Mwige noted, adding that the ideals of Vision 2030 will continue to guide Kenya on the path he helped chart.
“As Kenya continues on its journey toward Vision 2030, it does so on foundations that Raila Odinga helped build with courage, clarity, and conviction,” the statement read.
Raila Odinga’s legacy, Mwige concluded, lives not only in Kenya’s Constitution and infrastructure, but also in “the hearts of millions who drew hope and strength from his example.”
