Hon. Captain Ronald Kamwiko Karauri is a Kenyan businessman and former airline pilot. He is also a politician presently serving as the Member of Parliament for Kasarani Constituency in Nairobi County. He is widely known as “Captain Karauri” or “The Captain.” He has declared his intention to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.
Early Life and Education
Born around 1978 in Meru County, Karauri grew up in Nairobi’s Buruburu estate. He attended Harambee Primary School and later Mang’u High School. He pursued Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nairobi before transitioning into aviation. He is married to fellow pilot Captain Ruth Karauri, and they have three children: Nathan, Natalie, and Nia.
Professional Achievements Karauri built a successful career in two high-profile sectors:
- Aviation Career (Kenya Airways):
He joined Kenya Airways in 2003 as a First Officer (co-pilot), flying Boeing 737 plane. In 2009, he was promoted to Captain, commanding wide-body plane until around 2015. He also served as Chairperson of the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA). He obtained his Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority in 2014–2015. - Business Success with SportPesa:
Karauri co-founded SportPesa, one of Kenya’s leading sports betting and gaming companies. He became its CEO in 2015 (after retiring from flying) and helped grow it into a major regional player. His business acumen earned him recognition, including features in “Top 40 under 40” lists. He remains actively involved in the company’s leadership. sportpesa.org
Political Career and Record
As MP Karauri entered politics in 2022. He won the Kasarani parliamentary seat as an independent candidate. He became one of the first independent MPs elected in Nairobi County.
Key highlights of his tenure include:
- Issuing bursaries and education support to students through the NG-CDF and his Captain Karauri Foundation. This includes Grade 10 learners and form one entrants.
- Funding the construction of classrooms in his constituency.
- Sponsoring grassroots football teams to promote youth empowerment and sports development.
- Advocating for infrastructure development and economic opportunities for young people in Kasarani. sportpesa.org
In February 2026, while distributing bursaries in Kasarani, he officially declared his bid for the position in the 2027 elections.
He stated:
“Leadership is the main problem in Nairobi… I will be on the ballot. If elected, Nairobi residents will not complain.”
He argues that service delivery in the capital is not complicated. This includes garbage collection, water supply, and infrastructure. He blames persistent challenges on poor leadership. Karauri promises:
- Transparency and accountability — ensuring every shilling works for the people.
- Efficient management drawn from his aviation discipline and business experience.
- Inclusive leadership that serves all residents without tribal or political discrimination.
- Focus on fixing core urban issues like waste management, water, roads, and youth opportunities.
He has not yet specified which political party he will run under. This decision will be made closer to the election. Supporters often refer to him as the “incoming governor.” They praise his management background, integrity, and track record of delivering tangible projects. As of April 2026, the race for Nairobi governor in 2027 is already heating up. Karauri is emerging as a strong contender. He is alongside other notable figures. Captain Karauri’s journey starts in the cockpit of a Kenya Airways plane. It continues to the boardroom of SportPesa and now Parliament.
His story reflects discipline, entrepreneurship, and public service. He hopes these qualities will resonate with Nairobi voters seeking practical leadership for the capital city.
