Kenya: Nzioka Waita to Exit Tony Blair Institute for 2027 Machakos Governor Race

What the report says

Capital FM, in a report distributed by AllAfrica, says former State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita plans to leave his role as Managing Director for Africa Advisory at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change as he prepares to run for Machakos governor in Kenya’s 2027 General Election. Waita said in a Monday statement that he will depart at the end of September, after nearly two years in the post following his December 2024 appointment.

According to the report, Waita said the move was tied to his commitment to public service and confirmed he intends to seek the Machakos County governorship. He is expected to remain connected to the Tony Blair Institute as a part-time Strategic Advisor for Africa, helping mentor his successor, Antoine Huss, and maintaining links with governments, donors and development partners. The announcement followed his participation in a regional tour with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair covering Mozambique, Malawi, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Kenya.

The planned run would be Waita’s second bid for the Machakos seat. In 2022, he resigned as Chief of Staff and Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit to contest on a Chama Cha Uzalendo ticket, but lost to Wiper party candidate Wavinya Ndeti. Capital FM reports that Waita has recently increased local political activity through the Masaku Mbee 2027 campaign.

Waita’s background includes legal training, about 14 years at Safaricom, and senior roles in former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, including founding head of the Presidential Delivery Unit and later Chief of Staff. His entry would make him a notable challenger if Governor Ndeti seeks another term.