President William Ruto has appointed Jaoko Oburu Odinga, nephew to ODM leader Raila Odinga, as the Special Advisor for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihoods in the Executive Office of the President.
The appointment has sparked political discussion across the country, coming at a time when signs of re approchement between Ruto and Raila continue to shape Kenya’s political realignment.
Jaoko, son of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, took to social media to express gratitude to both President Ruto and Raila. He thanked the President for the opportunity to serve Kenyans and acknowledged Raila for “fostering unity and collaboration” in a statement that emphasized teamwork in national development.
As Special Advisor, Jaoko is tasked with monitoring the impact of government economic programs, recommending interventions to enhance their effectiveness, and providing data-driven feedback to the President. His portfolio includes youth-targeted initiatives such as the Hustler Fund and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA).
He will also represent the President’s office in key national and international engagements related to economic inclusion and sustainable livelihoods.
Prior to his appointment, Jaoko was the Global Chairperson of Friends of Baba Africa (FOBA), a lobby that backed Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship. He also served as Director of Roads and Public Works in Siaya County under Governor Cornel Rasanga, and was shortlisted in 2023 for a resource mobilization role by the county’s Public Service Board.
Jaoko holds a degree in Accounting and Finance from Saint Mary’s University in Canada.
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