Eliud Owalo is a Kenyan economist, management consultant, and politician who has become one of the country’s most closely watched political figures ahead of the 2027 general election.
Known for his sharp critiques of government policy, Owalo has built a public profile that spans technocratic service and increasingly bold political ambition.
Career in Public Service
Owalo first rose to national prominence in 2022 when President William Ruto appointed him Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, a position he held from October 2022 to July 2024.
He succeeded longtime ICT chief Joseph Mucheru and was tasked with steering Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
Following his exit from the ICT docket, Owalo was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency in the Executive Office of the President, a role focused on tracking implementation of government programs.
Background and Expertise
Before entering government, Owalo built a career as a management consultant and strategy expert, running his own firm, Eliud & Associates Management Consultants.
He holds academic credentials in economics and strategic management, and is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Institute of Human Resource Management and the Economists Society of Kenya.
Break from the Ruto Administration
By early 2026, Owalo had emerged as an outspoken critic of President Ruto’s government.
In public remarks, he dismissed Ruto’s vision of transforming Kenya into a “first-world” nation comparable to Singapore, arguing that ordinary Kenyans could not embrace such ambitions while struggling with basic economic hardship.
2027 Presidential Bid
In July 2026, Owalo formally entered Kenya’s presidential race, launching his own political party, the People’s Prosperity Party (PPP), and declaring his candidacy for the August 2027 election.
His campaign platform centers on anti-corruption enforcement, fiscal discipline, and full digitization of government financial systems, including real-time public finance dashboards and cashless government transactions.
Why Eliud Owalo Matters
As Kenya heads toward a pivotal election, Eliud Owalo represents a growing bloc of former Ruto allies turned challengers, positioning himself as a technocratic alternative focused on transparency and economic relief for everyday Kenyans.