The Step Up Youth Initiative joins the people of Kenya and the wider African continent in acknowledging the immense loss of former Prime Minister Dr. Raila Amolo Odinga. At this time, our grief is transformed into resolve
Honoring the Flame of Freedom
Dr. Odinga was a towering figure whose life embodied the very struggle for a dignifed, worthy Africa. As articulated in his book, “The Flame of Freedom,” his journey was defined by a relentless fight for justice, democracy, and equality. We choose to honor his memory not through sorrow alone, but through a renewed commitment to the future he envisioned.
Our resolve is anchored our foundational principle of ObuntuBulamu, which reminds us that a worthy life is achieved through shared humanity and service.
Rt. Hon. Odinga’s legacy is a masterclass in these values:
His political tenacity was an expression of unwavering Integrity and profound Empathy for the marginalized.
His lifelong dedication to the common person set the ultimate standard for Selflessness and Civic Engagement. The ObuntuBulamu he exemplified compels us, as an organization dedicated to youth development, to take up the torch he carried.
We recognize that the future of justice and democracy rests with the youth. We are channeling the inspiration of Dr. Odinga’s struggle into a mandate for the next generation, preparing them for Proactive Leadership (Obukulembeze) and Responsibility (Obuvunanizibwa).
This unwavering commitment to action brings us to the 6th African Youth SDGs Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, from 23–27 February 2026.
The Summit, themed “Reimagining Africa Through Youth-Driven Solutions,” is the critical venue where young leaders will demonstrate the Morality (Empisa) and Self-reliance (Okweyimirizaawo) needed to tackle the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are turning his legacy into a vibrant, living action plan for the continent.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Odinga family and the nation of Kenya. Dr. Raila Odinga’s legacy is the flame itself; our mission is to ensure that Africa’s youth become the hands that keep that flame burning brightly. We commit to justice, service, and progress—in the powerful spirit of ObuntuBulamu.
“Participating in the program changed my life. I gained the skills and confidence to pursue my dreams and make a difference in my community.”
Life Skills Program
“I’ve seen firsthand how this initiative empowers young people. Their growth inspires us all to support this cause.”
Community Empowerment
