By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 9 July 2026 - Presidential hopeful Eliud Owalo has unveiled an ambitious blueprint to transform Kenya into a leading digital and creative economy, arguing that technology and innovation will be central to creating jobs and accelerating economic growth.
Speaking during the launch of the People's Prosperity Party (PPP), Owalo said Kenya's youthful population presents an opportunity to build a globally competitive digital economy capable of generating thousands of high-value jobs.
"The future of Kenya's economy lies in innovation, technology and the creativity of our young people. We must invest in digital infrastructure and create an environment where innovation can flourish," he said.
Owalo proposed reducing internet costs by lowering taxes on ICT infrastructure and digital inputs, saying affordable connectivity is critical to expanding access to online education, digital commerce and remote work opportunities.
He also pledged to establish digital innovation hubs across all counties to provide young entrepreneurs with modern workspaces, internet connectivity, mentorship and access to emerging technologies.
"Every young Kenyan with talent should have the opportunity to innovate, build enterprises and compete globally without being held back by poor infrastructure or high operating costs," he added.
The former Cabinet Secretary said his administration would prioritise advanced digital skills training to prepare young people for careers in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, business process outsourcing (BPO) and other technology-driven industries.
His plan also includes expanding Kenya's BPO sector to attract international investment and position the country as a preferred destination for global outsourcing services.
Owalo further proposed promoting local ICT manufacturing, strengthening e-government services and developing sovereign data infrastructure to improve public service delivery while safeguarding national digital assets.
Recognising the growing contribution of the creative sector to the economy, he pledged to establish a Creative Economy Fund to support musicians, filmmakers, digital content creators, designers, software developers and other innovators seeking to commercialise their ideas.
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"Kenya's creative industry has enormous untapped potential. Our artists and innovators deserve access to financing, markets and modern technology so they can build sustainable enterprises and create employment,"he said.
Analysts say the proposals reflect the increasing importance of the digital economy as Kenya seeks new drivers of growth amid rising unemployment and changing global labour markets.
Kenya has earned international recognition as one of Africa's leading technology hubs, supported by widespread mobile money adoption, a vibrant start-up ecosystem and increasing investment in innovation. However, youth unemployment, limited access to affordable capital, inadequate digital infrastructure in some regions and high internet costs continue to constrain growth.
Economists argue that expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening technical skills and supporting technology-driven enterprises could significantly boost productivity while opening new opportunities in regional and international markets.
They caution, however, that achieving Owalo's vision will require sustained public investment, private sector participation, regulatory reforms and improvements in electricity, broadband connectivity and digital literacy.
With Kenya positioning itself as a regional technology powerhouse, digital transformation is expected to become a major campaign issue ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Owalo's strategy places technology at the centre of his economic agenda, presenting the digital economy not merely as a sector of growth but as a catalyst for industrialisation, entrepreneurship and employment capable of reshaping Kenya's economic future.