KSG to launch Raila Odinga Leadership Academy to train public officers in AI, cybersecurity

The Kenya School of Government (KSG) is set to launch the Raila Amolo Odinga Regional Leadership and Governance Academy to equip public officers with skills in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital leadership and crisis management.

The Academy, established in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, will focus on strengthening leadership capacity, improving public service delivery and preparing government officials to address emerging challenges in public administration.

According to KSG, the institution will introduce leadership assessments, policy research and strategic planning programmes aimed at promoting accountable, transparent and results-oriented governance.

The institution said the Academy would mark a significant milestone in its mandate to develop competent, values-based leaders capable of building public trust and improving the management of government institutions.

Conceived as a regional centre of excellence, the institution will address key governance and development challenges in Kenya and across Africa, including public service management at national and county levels, economic modelling, ethical leadership and sustainable development.

KSG plans to position the Academy as a regional hub offering executive training, policy advisory services, research and capacity-building programmes for public institutions across the continent.

As part of the initiative, the Academy will establish a leadership and governance simulation laboratory that will use AI, interactive learning and real-time testing to prepare public officers for complex situations.

The simulations will cover scenarios such as financial shocks, climate emergencies, cyber threats and public unrest, enabling leaders to develop practical decision-making and crisis-response skills.

The Academy will also collaborate with the Public Service Commission (PSC) to develop a leadership competency framework aligned with Article 232 of the Constitution, which outlines the values and principles of public service, and the country's national development agenda.

The framework will incorporate psychometric tests, emotional intelligence assessments, situational judgment tests and talent mapping to inform recruitment, promotion and succession planning across government institutions.

In addition, a Policy and Strategic Foresight Hub will monitor emerging trends and assess potential future challenges through horizon scanning and scenario planning.

One of its key initiatives will be projections under the theme “Kenya in 2060”, with the hub expected to produce quarterly reports and policy recommendations for the Cabinet, Parliament, the Judiciary and county governments.

A separate Productivity Hub will collect and analyse public sector performance data and prepare quarterly reports for the Office of the Head of Public Service to support evidence-based decision-making.

The Academy will also expand leadership training beyond conventional classrooms through KSG Mashinani, a community-based programme that will include the “Under-the-Tree Series Leadership Program”.

The initiative will deliver civic education, climate resilience strategies and leadership development directly to local communities.

To support the wellbeing of public officers, the institution plans to introduce a mental health and wellness programme featuring standardised assessments, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7).

The programme will also provide stress management workshops and peer support networks to help employees manage workplace pressure and strengthen psychological resilience.

The Academy's digital training programmes will focus on responsible AI use, data literacy, cybersecurity awareness and digital service delivery, with the aim of improving efficiency, accountability and the public's experience when accessing government services.

Its planned facilities will include the Raila Odinga Knowledge Management Hub and e-Museum, the Raila Odinga Library and the Public Service Museum of Kenya.

The digital repository will preserve historical public service policies, administrative circulars and political philosophies for use by emerging leaders in Kenya and across Africa.

Other planned activities include monthly public and private sector leadership engagements, annual “The Kenya We Want” symposia and quarterly meetings with retired senior public officials.

The Academy has also received support from Dr Manu Chandaria, chair of the Chandaria Foundation. KSG said a dedicated wing for the foundation would house an Innovation Hub designed to support young people through creativity, innovation and youth-focused initiatives.

The institution will further pursue partnerships with organisations in Kenya, Africa and internationally to support research, policy advice, staff exchanges, digital learning, institutional benchmarking and joint conferences.