Former Information Communication and Technology Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has called on President William Ruto to forgo seeking re-election in 2027 and instead support his presidential bid, framing the appeal as a reciprocal political gesture tied to his backing of Ruto in the 2022 elections.
Speaking during an interview on Chamgei FM, Owalo said his proposed presidency would be limited to a single term focused on stabilizing Kenya economy and implementing structural reforms aimed at long-term growth. His remarks signal an early entry into the 2027 political contest and introduce a policy-heavy platform that could influence political alignments in the coming years.
Owalo outlined a broad economic agenda centered on tax reforms, expansion of the tax base and tighter fiscal discipline. He proposed reducing income tax from 35% to 20%, lowering value added tax from 16% to 10% and cutting corporate tax by five percentage points across the board. He also pledged to eliminate digital taxes, arguing that such measures would stimulate business activity and consumer spending.
To offset the projected revenue shortfall from tax reductions, Owalo said his administration would expand the tax base by incorporating millions of Kenyans currently outside the formal tax system. He emphasized the need to create income-generating opportunities that would enable more citizens to contribute to national revenue.
His plan also includes sealing revenue leakages through full digitization of government systems and eliminating wasteful expenditure. According to Owalo, strengthening efficiency in public finance management would allow the government to operate within a zero budget deficit framework.
On public debt, Owalo proposed conducting a forensic audit of all existing obligations to determine their legality and utilization. He said the audit would establish accountability and guide future borrowing decisions.
Owalo further pledged to enforce zero tolerance to corruption by digitizing public services and strengthening adherence to constitutional principles and the rule of law. He argued that transparency and accountability would be central pillars of his administration.
Beyond fiscal reforms, Owalo proposed sweeping changes to social services. He pledged to provide free primary education and free day secondary education in all public schools, alongside universal access to healthcare services in public hospitals. He said these measures would reduce the cost burden on households and improve human capital development.
Owalo also emphasized transforming Kenya into a digital and creative economy as a pathway to job creation, particularly for young people. He noted that expanding opportunities in technology, innovation and the arts would position the country competitively in the global economy.
In addition, he proposed leveraging sports as an economic driver, particularly in regions known for producing elite athletes. Owalo said formalizing sports and talent industries would unlock new income streams and broaden economic participation.
Owalo used the Rift Valley region to illustrate broader economic disparities, noting that despite its agricultural productivity, many residents do not benefit proportionately from the wealth generated. He argued that the region lacks the structural mechanisms needed to convert resources into household prosperity.
He cited poverty data indicating that several counties in the region have poverty levels above the national average of 36%. According to Owalo, Bomet stands at 47%, Elgeyo Marakwet at 44%, Baringo at 41% and West Pokot at 68%, while Nandi and Uasin Gishu remain slightly below the national average at 32% and 33% respectively.
To address these disparities, Owalo proposed targeted interventions tailored to each county economic strengths. In Nandi, he said his administration would promote agro processing, guarantee minimum incomes for farmers and invest in irrigation and mechanization. He also highlighted the county global reputation in athletics as a foundation for a sports driven economy.
In Baringo, Owalo outlined plans to develop a modern livestock economy through processing facilities, improved water infrastructure and enhanced veterinary services. He also emphasized the need to stabilize security as a prerequisite for economic growth.
For Bomet, he proposed climate smart agriculture, expansion of irrigation systems, establishment of cold storage and processing plants and strengthening of cooperative societies to ensure better returns for farmers.
Owalo described Kericho as a key agricultural hub with untapped value addition potential, noting that while the county produces tea consumed globally, local farmers often see limited benefits. He pledged to transform the area into a leading agro industrial center.
In Uasin Gishu, he pointed to strong agricultural output and a growing micro, small and medium enterprise sector as a basis for developing a manufacturing and agro industrial hub. He said strategic investments could position the county as a model for integrated economic development.
For Elgeyo Marakwet, the former cabinet secretary emphasized infrastructure led growth, including the construction of roads, dams and irrigation systems, alongside development of agro processing industries and improved security.
