NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto will today lead celebrations marking 100 years of the Kenya School of Government (KSG), presiding over a three-day programme that combines the institution’s centenary with a high-level policy dialogue on Kenya’s long-term development strategy.
A key highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga Regional Leadership and Governance Academy, named in honour of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
According to the official programme, President Ruto will unveil the commemorative plaque, sign the visitors’ book and receive a briefing on KSG’s 100-year journey before officially opening the celebrations.
The academy’s naming recognises Odinga’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic development, governance reforms, regional diplomacy and pan-African engagement.
Dialogue on Kenya’s development
Beyond celebrating the institution’s history, the centenary will serve as a forum for policymakers, diplomats and development experts to discuss Kenya’s economic transformation under the theme “Building National Wealth and Global Competitiveness.”
President Ruto will moderate the opening policy dialogue examining Kenya’s prospects of attaining First World status.
The session will feature Anyang’ Nyong’o, who is expected to deliver a preamble on Kenya’s development journey, alongside ambassadors representing China, France, Italy and Azerbaijan.
Over the next three days, delegates will deliberate on key policy areas, including:
- High-value agriculture and industrial growth.
- Education and economic transformation.
- Public service reforms.
- Public-private partnerships.
- Resource mobilisation.
- Public policy research and innovation.
Government officials, academics, private sector leaders and representatives of international organisations are expected to share experiences and propose policy interventions aimed at strengthening Kenya’s global competitiveness.
Century of public service
The celebrations, running through Wednesday at the KSG Lower Kabete Campus in Nairobi, have drawn Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, governors, diplomats, development partners, scholars and senior public servants.
Established in 1926, the Kenya School of Government has trained generations of civil servants, administrators and policymakers, playing a central role in shaping Kenya’s public administration and governance systems.
The institution remains the country’s premier centre for capacity building within the public service, offering professional training in leadership, governance, public finance, policy development and public administration.
Graduation and awards
The centenary programme will also include a graduation and recognition ceremony for participants who have completed various KSG training programmes.
President Ruto is expected to present certificates and recognise top-performing graduates, underscoring the institution’s role in developing the skilled public workforce required to implement Kenya’s national development agenda.
The celebrations are expected to provide both a reflection on KSG’s century-long contribution to public service and a platform for shaping policies intended to strengthen governance, economic growth and institutional capacity in the years ahead.