Who Is Jaoko Oburu Odinga? Inside His Family Background, Career and Current Govt Role
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Jaoko Oburu Odinga has built a career spanning public service, investment mobilisation, business and political mobilisation.
The son of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga and nephew of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Jaoko currently serves as Special Presidential Adviser on Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihoods in the Office of the President.
President William Ruto appointed him to the position on April 22, 2025. His role focuses on advising the President on economic empowerment, job creation, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised communities.
Jaoko Oburu’s Role in Ruto’s Government
The 55-year-old is a public servant and adviser with more than a decade of experience in economic development, investment mobilisation, infrastructure and sustainable livelihoods.
His work involves providing strategic guidance on inclusive economic growth while working with government agencies, the private sector and local stakeholders.
His responsibilities include shaping and reviewing policies on job creation, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
Jaoko also oversees and coordinates initiatives targeting youth and women, while working to improve access to financial services and strengthen the informal sector. His office is advisory rather than a direct funding agency.
His Career in Siaya County
Before joining the national government, Jaoko worked in the Siaya County Government during the administration of former Governor Cornel Rasanga.
He served as an Investment and Resource Mobilization Adviser, focusing on identifying investment opportunities and attracting local and international resources to the county. He later served as a County Executive Committee Member, handling areas including roads and public works.
His time in Siaya exposed him to challenges affecting young people and small businesses. He was involved in developing business-friendly policies, attracting investment, promoting trade, and supporting SME training.
The experience became part of the foundation for his later work in economic empowerment at the national level.
His Interest in Sustainable Aquaculture
Sustainable livelihoods have also featured in Jaoko’s professional work. One of the projects highlighted on his LinkedIn profile is Developing Capacity of Local Communities for Sustainable Small-Scale Commercial Aquaculture.
The initiative focuses on building the capacity of small-scale farmers through training and extension services to help them establish sustainable aquaculture enterprises.
The project reflects an approach centred on helping communities develop sustainable sources of income rather than relying only on short-term assistance.
Education and Early Years
Jaoko attended Voinona Primary School and Voinona Secondary School in Zimbabwe before proceeding to Prince Edward School for his high school education.
He later moved to Canada, where he studied at Saint Mary’s University. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Accounting and Finance from Saint Mary’s University.
His profile also highlights his involvement in the Kenyan student community, including serving as a founding chairman of the Kenya Students Association and founding patron of FORA.
His background in accounting and finance has complemented his later work in investment, resource mobilisation and economic development.
From Business to Public Service
Jaoko’s career has not been limited to government. His professional profile indicates that his early career included entrepreneurial ventures, including running a cultural artefacts business in Canada.
The experience exposed him to cross-cultural engagement and grassroots economic empowerment. His career has since increasingly centred on public service, investment mobilisation and initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods.
Jaoko’s Political Activities
Jaoko has also been involved in Kenyan politics for years. In 2013, he became part of the youthful team behind the Friends of Raila pressure group.
He later campaigned for his uncle, Raila Odinga, and became associated with the Azimio Young Turks, a youth mobilisation umbrella that supported Raila’s 2022 presidential campaign.
He also served as the Global Chair of Friends of Baba Africa (FOBA), a lobby group that supported Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission chairperson position.
His political activities have therefore closely followed the wider political journey of the Odinga family.
Also Read:Jaoko Oburu Breaks Silence on Rumours Surrounding His Father
From Raila Supporter to Ruto Adviser
Jaoko’s appointment to Ruto’s administration attracted attention because of his family background and his previous political activities supporting Raila.
His move into the Ruto administration placed him in a different political environment while giving him responsibility for a portfolio focused on economic empowerment.
Since taking office, he has represented the President’s office in engagements involving government agencies, businesses, youth groups and organisations working with marginalised communities.
His professional activities also show involvement in partnerships around economic empowerment, agriculture, healthcare innovation and technology.
For example, he has supported E.L.E.V.A.T.E Kenya initiatives involving drone technology for healthcare and agriculture.
Also Read:Ruto Issues Latest Update on Oburu Oginga’s Health
Focus on Youth and Marginalised Communities
Youth empowerment remains a major part of Jaoko’s current work. His approach is built around policy advice, strategic partnerships and project oversight, with a focus on improving access to financing, supporting youth enterprises and connecting small businesses to larger markets.
His office also works with women, persons living with disabilities, communities in arid and semi-arid areas and micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Technical skills training, access to jobs, funding, and mentorship are among the areas he has highlighted as important in creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
Family Background
Jaoko is the son of Oburu Odinga, the Siaya Senator, and a nephew of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
He was previously married to Tia Gosman from the Bahamas. The two married in 2003 and had two children before later separating.
Jaoko subsequently remarried and has three children from his second marriage-a son and two daughters.
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Photo of Jaoko Oburu and his father Oburu Odinga during family time moments
PHOTO/File
