The National Museum of Kenya (NMK) has invited bids from qualified contractors to build the proposed Raila Odinga mausoleum, showing renewed momentum toward the project.
In a tender notice published on Tuesday, June 16, NMK asked interested and eligible contractors to compete for a Ksh30 million contract. The project aims to preserve and promote the historical legacy of Kenya’s second prime minister.
The notice states that the contract involves constructing a new mausoleum for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, along with renovation works at the Jaramogi Mausoleum, which serves as the final resting place of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
“The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) invites bids from eligible, reputable and qualified contractors to participate in the tender for the Construction of Proposed Raila Odinga Mausoleum and Renovation of Jaramogi Mausoleum in Bondo Sub-County, Siaya County,” the notice states in part.
The government made this decision after it pledged to build the late Raila Odinga’s mausoleum, with plans to start construction before the end of June 2026.
NMK’s design calls for a mausoleum that includes a research centre, library, digital archives, and an amphitheatre. The National Museums of Kenya will manage part of the facility.
At the core of the design sits a striking circular structure that will serve as the symbolic and spatial focus of the memorial precinct.
The design team does not treat the circle as a separate landmark. Instead, the circular form guides the entire site by directing movement, improving orientation, and shaping how visitors experience the space.
From this central core, the design spreads outward through a looping system of access roads and pedestrian pathways. These routes curve through the site, keeping traffic moving in one continuous flow.
The mausoleum will sit immediately beside the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, where Raila was laid to rest.
The project will also include further architectural improvements, such as the circular central layout, green spaces, and open grounds.
Interested bidders have until June 25, 2026, to submit their applications. After that deadline, NMK will open the tenders and evaluate the submissions.
Tender documents are available from the National Museums of Kenya headquarters in Nairobi. Contractors can also download them for free from the institution’s website.
The tender advertisement starts the procurement process for the project. NMK will begin construction once it selects a contractor and awards the tender.
The mausoleum will preserve the late opposition leader’s legacy, honor his fight against one-party rule, and recognize his leadership in delivering the 2010 constitution.
It will also stand as a lasting physical symbol of his peace pacts, political transitions, and commitment to public service.
