Opposition leader Raila Odinga has congratulated his sister, Balozi Akinyi Walkowa Odinga, for earning her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management Sciences, with a specialization in Public Administration and Peace Studies, from Durban University of Technology in South Africa.
In a celebratory message shared on Friday, Raila expressed deep pride in her academic milestone, describing it as a testament to perseverance and intellectual excellence.
“Mama Ida and I are proud to welcome the newest doctor in the family!” he said in a statement on Facebook.
“Congratulations to Balozi Akinyi Walkowa Odinga, PhD… Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire us all. Well done.”
The message was accompanied by pictures of Akinyi, the ODM leader, and Mama Ida Odinga together at the Karen residence of the former premier.
Dr. Walkowa is the only child of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s second wife, Gaudecia Adeya, and holds a unique place in the Odinga family’s legacy of public service and civic engagement.
Her achievement adds to a lineage of leadership that has shaped Kenya’s political and social landscape for decades.
Beyond her academic credentials, Dr. Walkowa has cultivated a distinguished career in international development, psychotherapy, and executive coaching.
She holds a Master of Philosophy in Executive Management Coaching from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and a postgraduate diploma in psychotherapy from Thames Valley University in the United Kingdom, accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Her professional journey spans more than 15 years, with impactful roles at global institutions including UNICEF, UN Women, ActionAid International, and the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).
She is also a founding member of Mama Na Dada International, a grassroots organization that supports women and children refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya and abroad.
Earlier this year, Dr. Walkowa was appointed by President William Ruto as Kenya’s Deputy Head of Mission in Los Angeles, USA.
The appointment, announced during International Women’s Day celebrations, recognized her contributions to leadership, diplomacy, and gender advocacy.
She remains actively engaged with the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation and continues to mentor women leaders across Africa.
Her doctoral research, focused on public administration and peacebuilding, is expected to inform policy development and strengthen regional efforts toward inclusive governance.
