Kisii: University students and youth leaders from institutions of higher learning across the country have vowed to support the former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo’s presidential bid in the upcoming 2027 General Election.
According to Kenya News Agency, the students expressed their support during a gathering at a Kisii hotel, emphasizing that Owalo’s agenda aligns with their ‘Third Liberation’ ambition. This vision aims to create jobs, enhance skills, foster enterprise, and promote dignity and ownership among young people.
The youth forum addressed the ongoing challenges faced by Kenyan youth, including high levels of unemployment and underemployment, limited access to affordable credit, and inadequate pathways from skills to jobs. They underscored the need for a leader whose policies prioritize youth inclusion and economic re-engineering to create and retain jobs at the production level.
The group commended Owalo’s achievements as the ICT CS, highlighting initiatives such as the establishment of digital hubs at ward levels, expansion of internet connectivity, and creation of digital platforms that have generated numerous digital jobs for the youth.
Additionally, the students were encouraged by Owalo’s proposed tax and debt management policies. These include plans to abolish digital taxes for the youth, cut the cost of internet access by 50 percent, and reduce income tax to 20 percent, measures they believe will significantly benefit young Kenyans.
Owalo’s commitment to sports development was also noted, with mention of football and basketball tournaments that have led to educational sponsorships and opportunities for youth in professional sports locally and internationally.
The forum concluded with a commitment to mobilize peers across campuses and counties to form a national movement focused on economics, opportunity, and ownership, rather than tokenism.
Last month, Owalo resigned from his position as Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, following his announcement to run for the presidency in 2027.
