Inside Raila’s CV: 5 Reasons Raila Is Best-suited To Become Next AUC Chairman

With four candidates looking to succeed the current African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Moussa Faki, Kenya’s Raila Odinga seems to be the front-runner, six months to the elections.

Already, Raila has secured the support of 19 African countries in the contest slated for February 2025, when Faki exits the top seat after serving for two terms.

Among the countries which have declared support for Raila include DRC, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Others include Burundi, Seychelles, Ghana, South Sudan, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, Algeria and the Republic of the Congo.

Currently, Raila is facing competition from Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssou, former Mauritius Foreign Minister  Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and Richard James Randriamandrato, a disgraced former Madagascar Foreign Minister.

“I have strong confidence in the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, a Pan-Africanist, transformative, and visionary leader to serve as the African Union Commission Chairperson. Mr Odinga’s remarkable political leadership and exemplary career make him a perfect fit to sit at the helm of the AUC and drive Africa’s transformation and Agenda 2063,” President William Ruto says.

“He is an ardent champion of African unity, intra-African trade and integration, and infrastructural connectivity. His strategic focus is to harness Africa’s rich and vast human and natural resources for the benefit of Africa’s people, making him the optimal choice for this position. I therefore welcome the continent to rally behind Mr Odinga’s candidature to propel Africa to sustainable peace and a new era of shared prosperity.”

Here are some reasons why Raila could be the best-suited candidates among the four;

Education

Unknown to many Kenyans and Africans, Raila holds a Master of Science (Mechanical Engineering, Production Technology) from Magdeburg Technical School & Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany.

He also holds a Certificate in Senior Management from the Kenya Institute of Management, Kenya and a Certificate in Standardization and Quality Control from the University of Denver, Colorado, USA.

He also holds a Certificate in Establishment of Natural Physical Standards, the National Bureau of Standards & Technology, Gaithersburg, MD., USA and a Certificate in Standards Specification Writing from the British Standards Institution (BSI Group).

Experience

Raila served as AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in  Africa (2018-2023).

During his tenure, Raila strengthened the efforts of the Commission in the implementation of the  Program for  Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), rallying political support from Member States and Regional    Economic    Communities    (RECs)   to advance    Africa’s infrastructure connectivity and integration. He further mobilised support for continental projects, epitomising a commitment to effective delivery, and continent-wide consensus-building.

He also served as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya from 2008 to 2013 where he played a pivotal role in implementing transformative political, socio-economic, and security sector reforms, most notably the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. He advocated for environmental conservation of   Kenya’s water towers and implemented systems that enhanced performance in the public service and prudent management of public resources. During this period, he also represented Kenya at high-level bilateral and multilateral fora.

He served as Member of Parliament for 20 years from 1992 during which he was appointed to key ministries, as Minister for Energy,  and Minister for Roads, Public Works and Housing. In these roles, he directed the implementation of crucial government policies, focusing on energy accessibility, development of road infrastructure, and upgrading informal settlements, hence laying the groundwork for affordable housing. He further, advocated for the adoption of green energy policies including investments in geothermal and hydroelectric power.

In recognition of his service, he has been honoured with several prestigious awards, including The Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH) of Kenya, Golden Jubilee Award (Kenya), the Greater Good Award (Mizani Africa), and the Global Leadership Award (BEFTTA).

He is a pan-Africanist

Raila’s deep-rooted sense of African identity and commitment to Pan-Africanism are at the core of his political His key focus and commitment is to harness Africa’s rich and vast human and natural resources to command the global influence it rightfully warrants, and usher a new era of shared prosperity. He is an ardent champion of African unity, intra-African trade and integration.

Global Statesmanship

He has represented Kenya across the continent and the continent across the world.

Raila has been a peace mediator and election observer, illustrating expertise and experience to serve internationally as an effective advocate for Africa.

Raila possesses outstanding diplomatic and advocacy skills with a demonstrated ability to engage with global, continental and regional leaders to advance Africa’s interests.

Technological and Digital Transformation

Raila has previously championed the adoption of technology in various capacities throughout his career.

As Prime Minister, he oversaw the implementation of Kenya’s Vision 2030, which included significant investments in ICT. Additionally, his role at the AU involved promoting the integration of digital solutions in infrastructure projects, such as the continental high-speed train, and smart city initiatives.

Read: Inside Raila’s Multi-Million Hotels in Kisumu, Malindi

>>> Doctored: Image Showing Raila Being Crowned An Elder In Nigeria Is Altered