By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 6 May 2026 - Allies of Kenyan senator Okiya Omtatah have stepped up a nationwide consultation drive to gauge whether he should mount a presidential bid in the 2027 General Election.
The group, operating as a Presidential Exploratory Committee, says it has been crisscrossing the country since late 2024, holding town hall meetings and collecting public opinion across all 47 counties. The exercise, they insist, is aimed at “listening first” before any formal political declaration is made.
At a public forum in Eldoret, the administrative centre of Uasin Gishu County, committee representatives said they were now consolidating feedback gathered from earlier stops, with citizens’ concerns painting a stark picture of daily struggles.
Residents who spoke at the meeting cited mounting challenges in healthcare, unemployment, education, and the cost of living. Frustrations over the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) featured prominently, with several attendees questioning why contributions had not translated into reliable access to treatment.
Some described long waits at public hospitals, blaming system delays and inefficiencies. “People are paying, but still not getting timely care,” one participant said, echoing a sentiment repeated throughout the session.
Jobs — or the lack of them — emerged as another dominant theme. Young people, many with academic qualifications, told the forum they continue to face limited employment opportunities.
Local traders and informal workers also voiced discontent. Motorcycle taxi operators accused county officials of persistent interference despite compliance with licensing requirements, while market vendors described shrinking trading spaces and frequent evictions.
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Several traders said enforcement operations had left them counting heavy losses after goods were confiscated, often despite payment of required fees. Some warned that debt levels were rising as small businesses struggled to stay afloat.
Parents raised concerns about education costs, saying children were still being sent home over fees and uniforms despite official assurances of access for all.
Healthcare worries resurfaced later in the discussions, with claims that delays linked to SHA processes may have had serious, even fatal, consequences in some cases — allegations that could not be independently verified.
Participants also warned of growing drug abuse among school-aged children, alleging that supply networks remain active and largely untouched, while low-level offenders bear the brunt of enforcement.
The committee says all views gathered will feed into a comprehensive national report, expected to guide the final decision on whether Senator Omtatah enters the 2027 presidential race.
For now, the message from the ground appears clear: voters want solutions — and they want them urgently.