Former Information and Communications Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has formally entered the race for Kenya’s highest office, unveiling a new political party and promising sweeping tax cuts, better governance and an ambitious push to take the country to its first FIFA World Cup.
Speaking during the launch of the People’s Prosperity Party (PPP) on Wednesday, Owalo said Kenya needed a new political direction after years of unrealised potential. He also confirmed that he would contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s ticket.
“Today, I officially announce that I intend to seek the presidency of the Republic of Kenya on the People’s Prosperity Party ticket. The party nominates me as its flag bearer,” Owalo said.
The former Cabinet Secretary placed sport at the centre of his vision, arguing that Kenya has the talent to compete on the world’s biggest stages if the right investments are made.
He said his administration would work towards securing Kenya’s first qualification for the FIFA World Cup, pointing to countries such as Cape Verde, which have made significant progress in international football.
“Under my government, Kenya will be able to qualify for the next World Cup finals. Teams we were beating the other day, like Cape Verde, are today doing well. Where did we go wrong?” he asked.
Owalo said football would be only one part of a wider sports agenda. He pledged to support basketball and rugby, with the goal of helping Kenya qualify consistently for major global competitions, including the Olympic Games.
His proposal includes building at least three high-altitude training centres in the Rift Valley and constructing modern basketball arenas in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and other parts of the country.
He also promised to improve the welfare of retired athletes through a national medical insurance scheme and a pension programme.
“It is very sad that our sportsmen and women who gave us joy and pride during their heydays today struggle after retirement. We are going to establish a medical scheme and a pension scheme for all our retired sportsmen and women,” he said.
Beyond sport, Owalo outlined an economic agenda centred on reducing taxes for individuals and businesses.
Among the proposals unveiled by his party are cutting the highest personal income tax rate from 35 per cent to 29 per cent, reducing Value Added Tax from 16 per cent to 10 per cent, abolishing the digital tax and lowering corporate tax by five percentage points.
He argued that the changes would leave households with more disposable income, lower the cost of doing business and encourage investment, ultimately creating more jobs.
Owalo also pledged to strengthen public institutions, improve government efficiency and uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.
“Under a PPP government, it will not be business as usual. I shall offer focused leadership that is people-centred and in conformity with good governance and the rule of law,” he said.
The launch of the People’s Prosperity Party adds another name to Kenya’s increasingly active political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election, with parties beginning to unveil their candidates and policy priorities well before the campaign period officially begins.
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