In this interview, Raila Odinga describes the development and implementation of Kenya’s National Accord and Reconciliation Act of 2008, a power-sharing agreement between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the Party of National Unity (PNU) following the country’s 2007 general election. He explains how the government allocated portfolios, streamlined, and improved coordination. He talks about the creation of a “performance contracting system” that evaluated the strategic plans of each ministry. He describes the role of the international community in post-election monitoring and mediation. Finally, he reflects on the importance of "constructive competition" within a coalition government and the need for clear strategic plans for all ministries.
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At the time of this interview, Mr. Odinga was the former Prime Minister of Kenya and the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (OMD) political party. He attended the University of Leipzig and received his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg in former Easter Germany. He served as the Deputy Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards, a Member of Parliament for the Langata constituency, Minister of Energy under President Daniel arap Moi and Minister of Roads, Public Works, and Housing under President Mwai Kibaki. Following the 2007 election he entered and oversaw the implementation of the National Accord and Reconciliation Act of 2008, a power-sharing agreement with President Kibaki.