By Erestinah Jane | July 8, 2026
Former Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has officially declared his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election, unveiling a new political party and outlining an ambitious agenda centred on youth empowerment, digital transformation, sports development and economic reforms.
Announcing his bid, Owalo said his administration would prioritize job creation through the digital economy while investing heavily in sports as a driver of economic growth and youth employment.
The former Cabinet Secretary, who is also the patron of Gor Mahia Football Club, pledged to overhaul the country’s sports sector, arguing that proper investment and governance reforms could transform Kenya into a global football powerhouse.
“My government will invest heavily in sports and talent monetization. If elected, I promise that I will personally oversee strategic structural reforms in our football management to steer Harambee Stars to Kenya’s first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification,” Owalo said.
Owalo said sports should be viewed as a key economic sector capable of generating employment and income for thousands of young Kenyans. He pledged to expand sports infrastructure, strengthen talent identification programmes and improve the professional management of football and other sporting disciplines.
On the economy, the former ICT Cabinet Secretary promised to review Kenya’s taxation framework, saying his administration would pursue an inclusive and non-punitive tax regime aimed at easing the financial burden on households and businesses while maintaining sustainable government revenue.
He also pledged to undertake a comprehensive forensic audit of Kenya’s public debt if elected, saying the exercise would establish how borrowed funds were utilized and identify any cases of misappropriation of public resources.
According to Owalo, improving transparency and accountability in public finance would enhance confidence in government institutions and ensure borrowed funds are directed toward productive development projects.
Drawing on his experience at the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Owalo further pledged to expand digital infrastructure across the country by establishing additional innovation hubs and technology centres to create employment opportunities for young people.
He said investment in the digital economy would equip Kenyan youth with the skills required to compete in global technology markets while supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.
In the social sector, Owalo promised to strengthen public service delivery through improved revenue collection and prudent management of public resources. He said his administration would seek to guarantee universal healthcare and free secondary education in public institutions by sealing revenue leakages and enhancing efficiency in government spending.
Owalo’s presidential declaration marks a significant shift in his political career. Over the years, he has played key strategic roles in several major political campaigns, including serving as a senior strategist for opposition leader Raila Odinga during the 2013 General Election and later working with Musalia Mudavadi before joining President William Ruto’s 2022 presidential campaign.
Following his decision to enter the presidential race, Owalo resigned from his position as Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency in the Executive Office of the President, saying it would not be appropriate to continue serving in government while preparing to challenge for the country’s highest office.
He has also criticized the practice of political zoning, arguing that leadership positions should remain open to all qualified Kenyans regardless of their region or political affiliation. According to Owalo, competitive and inclusive elections are essential to strengthening Kenya’s democratic institutions.
His entry into the 2027 presidential contest adds another name to the growing list of leaders positioning themselves ahead of the next General Election, setting the stage for an increasingly competitive political landscape as parties begin laying the groundwork for the campaigns ahead.
