Presidential Aspirant Eliud Owalo Pledges Tax Relief and Anti-Corruption Reforms

Former Cabinet Secretary and 2027 presidential hopeful Eliud Owalo has unveiled an economic reform agenda aimed at stimulating growth, improving governance, and promoting regional development. 

Speaking in an interview on Mulembe FM on Thursday, Owalo said reducing taxes would be a key step in revitalising the economy and supporting households and businesses.

Owalo announced plans to cut income tax to 25 percent, lower value-added tax (VAT) from 16 percent to 12 percent, and remove digital taxes entirely. 

He argued that these measures would allow households to retain more income while encouraging business activity, ultimately creating momentum across the economy.

“Easing the tax burden is the first step toward unlocking growth for businesses and families alike,” he said.

Beyond tax reform, Owalo stressed the importance of tackling corruption as a top priority.

He described graft as the biggest obstacle to effective governance, undermining public trust and economic progress.

Owalo cited his tenure as Cabinet Secretary for ICT, where he implemented reforms that digitalised government services.

“When I joined government as CS for ICT, there were only 350 services available on eCitizen. I expanded them to 22,000, increasing revenue from Ksh.60 million to Ksh.1 billion a day.

Digitalisation works,” he said. Owalo emphasized that technology-driven solutions can reduce corruption by improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government operations.

The former management consultant also outlined plans for regional development, saying that equitable investment across counties would help address economic disparities.

He argued that focusing on infrastructure, local industries, and job creation in underserved regions would strengthen national growth and empower communities.

Owalo said his administration would prioritise prudent financial management, ensuring that government spending aligns with strategic priorities and that resources are used effectively.

He argued that disciplined budgeting and oversight could reduce waste, improve service delivery, and create a more predictable economic environment for businesses and citizens.

He further highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in driving economic development, noting that collaboration between government and private sector actors could create jobs, improve infrastructure, and encourage innovation.

Owalo said that engaging local businesses and communities would be critical to sustaining long-term growth.

On governance, Owalo promised reforms to enhance accountability and transparency, including strengthening institutions responsible for oversight and public service delivery.

He said that citizen engagement and feedback mechanisms would play a central role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring policies meet the needs of ordinary Kenyans.

Political analysts note that Owalo’s proposals on tax relief, anti-corruption measures, and regional investment are likely aimed at appealing to both business leaders and ordinary voters, particularly younger citizens concerned about job creation and economic opportunity.