Nzioka Waita exits Tony Blair Institute for Machakos governor race

• Nzioka Waita currently serves as the Managing Director for Africa Advisory at the Tony Blair Institute (TBI).
• He previously contested the Machakos governorship in 2022 but finished behind incumbent Governor Wavinya Ndeti.
• Waita's candidacy makes him a top challenger to Wavinya Ndeti in the upcoming 2027 general election.
• His background in public service and experience leading government initiatives will likely serve him well in his bid for Machakos governorship.

The reason for my transition is equally personal and deeply rooted in my long-standing commitment to public service.

Nzioka Waita currently serves as the Managing Director for Africa Advisory at the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) for Global Change. After being appointed to lead the institute's Africa Advisory division, Waita has been actively involved in the institute's work, including a regional tour with former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, which included stops in Mozambique, Malawi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Kenya. This continues alongside Waita's increased political activities through his Masaku Mbee 2027 campaign.

Waita's decision to seek elective office in Kenya is not a new development. A lawyer by training, he has spent over a decade in public service, including stints as the founding Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit and Chief of Staff under former President Uhuru Kenyatta. His experience spans both the private sector – where he spent about 14 years at Safaricom – and government. This background will likely serve him well in his bid for Machakos governorship, particularly given his recent efforts to engage with local communities through his campaign.

Waita's 2027 return to the Machakos gubernatorial race makes him a top contender against incumbent Governor Wavinya Ndeti. This is not Waita's first attempt at the seat, as he previously contested it in 2022 on a Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU) ticket but finished behind Ndeti. The competition will be fierce, with both candidates likely to draw significant attention and support from local voters. As Machakos County prepares for its next election cycle, Waita's candidacy is sure to have an impact on the 2027 general election.

Lawyers advising clients on electoral law in Kenya should note that Nzioka Waita's candidacy may impact the 2027 Machakos governor election, potentially creating new compliance exposures for businesses and organizations operating in the county.

Source: Original reporting via The Star, Nairobi