Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga./HANDOUT
The Nairobi County Assembly has allocated Sh20 million in the 2026/27 financial year budget for the construction of a monument and statue in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The allocation is contained in the 40th Report of the Select Committee on County Finance, Budget and Appropriations on the consideration of the Revenue and Expenditure Estimates for the 2026/27 financial year for the Nairobi City County Government and the County Assembly.
The funding follows the County Assembly's approval of a special motion seeking the establishment of a permanent monument in memory of Raila, who died in October last year while receiving treatment in India.
Members of the County Assembly unanimously adopted the motion, which was sponsored by Nairobi West MCA John Rex Omolleh of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The monument is expected to be erected at the Supreme Court Roundabout along City Hall Way after Omolleh amended his original proposal, which had sought to have it constructed at Uhuru Park.
While moving the motion in the Assembly, Omolleh said Raila deserved a lasting tribute in recognition of his contribution to Kenya's democratic and socio-economic development.
He argued that the former Prime Minister had earned a special place in the country's history through decades of public service and sacrifice.
"The late Raila Odinga deserves a special place in the annals of history as recognition for his outstanding sacrifice and service to the public," Omolleh told the Assembly.
In the motion, the MCA noted that Kenya has a long-standing tradition of honouring distinguished national leaders and heroes through monuments, medals and by naming roads and public facilities after them.
He said Raila had dedicated his adult life to advancing democracy, expanding political freedoms, strengthening the rule of law and championing good governance.
Omolleh further cited Raila's role in the country's infrastructure development during his tenure as Minister for Roads and Public Works.
He credited the former premier with conceiving, planning and overseeing landmark road projects, including the Thika Superhighway, the Eastern Bypass and the Southern Bypass.
The approved budget allocation now paves the way for the county executive to commence planning and implementation of the project in consultation with relevant national government agencies.
Once completed, the monument is expected to become one of Nairobi's newest public landmarks and a permanent memorial celebrating Raila's political legacy and contribution to Kenya's democratic journey.
The decision underscores the county's intention to preserve the memory of one of the country's most influential political figures, whose career spanned several decades and included service as Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister, Prime Minister and opposition leader.
Raila was widely regarded as a central figure in Kenya's struggle for multiparty democracy and constitutional reforms, while also playing a key role in shaping the country's infrastructure agenda during his time in government.
