Moses Kuria proposes Technical University of Kenya to be named after Raila; here are steps followed in renaming an institution

Moses Kuria proposes Technical University of Kenya to be named after Raila; here are steps followed in renaming an institution

In a statement on X, Kuria said that Raila Odinga, once a lecturer at the University of Nairobi (UoN) School of Engineering, had been a lifelong advocate for technical education.

Former Senior Economic Advisor to President William Ruto, Moses Kuria, has proposed that the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) be renamed in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a statement on X, Kuria said that Raila Odinga, once a lecturer at the University of Nairobi (UoN) School of Engineering, had been a lifelong advocate for technical education, a passion that began in college.

He also emphasised that the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), previously known as The Kenya Polytechnic, was originally the engineering wing of the University of Nairobi, highlighting its long-standing role in training skilled engineers and technical experts.

"TUK, previously The Kenya Polytechnic, was once the Engineering wing of the University of Nairobi. Engineer Raila Odinga was not just a lecturer at the UoN School of Engineering. He was also an ardent believer in technical education since his days in college," he said.

“I have today written to Education CS Julius Ogamba requesting to rename the Technical University of Kenya to Raila Odinga Technical University. If I were the CS, I would do it straight away,” Kuria added.

How to rename an institution

Renaming a public university in Kenya is a process governed by the Universities Act, No. 42 of 2012 (Revised 2016), the Technical University of Kenya Charter, 2013, and the Constitution of Kenya. Any such change requires consultations with the University Council and Senate, the Commission for University Education (CUE), students, staff unions, the public, and alumni.

The first step typically begins with a proposal or petition submitted by government officials, members of the public, alumni, or other stakeholders. The University Council considers the merits of the proposal, examining the historical context, the significance of the name change, and its potential impact on the institution’s identity and operations.

Once the Council supports the proposal, it must consult widely with key stakeholders, including institutional leaders (like the Vice-Chancellor and Senate), staff unions, students, alumni, and sometimes the broader public, especially when the institution holds national significance.

These consultations ensure that the change reflects the views and interests of those directly affected.

After completing consultations, the Council formally recommends the name change to the Commission for University Education or the relevant regulatory authority for technical or vocational institutions.

The regulatory body reviews the recommendation, verifies compliance with legal requirements, and may request additional information before approval.

If the proposal receives approval from the regulatory body, it is then submitted to the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Education.

The final step is presidential approval and formal gazettement, which involves publication in the Kenya Gazette, giving the name change legal effect.

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