Fred Okengo Matiang’i is a prominent politician and academic whose career has significantly influenced various sectors of Kenya’s public service.
He has held multiple key positions within the Kenyan government, notably serving as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government from July 2017 to October 2022.
His tenure in public office is marked by a series of reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and integrity within the ministries he oversaw.
Education
Matiang’i earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kenyatta University, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors.
Demonstrating a commitment to further education, he pursued and obtained both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Nairobi.
Tribe
Hailing from the Kisii community, Matiang’i is part of an ethnic group predominantly residing in the western region of Kenya.
The Kisii people are renowned for their rich cultural heritage and have made significant contributions across various sectors in Kenya, including education, politics, and commerce.
Professional career
Before his foray into government service, Matiang’i had a notable career in academia.
He served as a lecturer at both Egerton University and the University of Nairobi, where he was involved in teaching and research, contributing to the academic growth of numerous students.
Beyond the classroom, he held the position of Eastern Africa regional representative for the Centre for International Development at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, State University of New York.
In this capacity, Matiang’i was instrumental in implementing developmental initiatives across the region, focusing on policy development and institutional strengthening.
Career as Cabinet Secretary
Matiang’i’s tenure in the Kenyan Cabinet is marked by a series of strategic appointments, each highlighting his versatility and commitment to public service.
In April 2013, he was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT).
During this period, he led Kenya’s digital migration process, overcoming resistance from various stakeholders and ensuring the country’s transition to digital broadcasting.
His efforts were pivotal in modernizing Kenya’s communication infrastructure.
In November 2015, Matiang’i transitioned to the role of Cabinet Secretary for Education, Science, and Technology.
Confronted with widespread examination malpractices, he implemented stringent reforms to secure the integrity of national examinations.
These measures led to more credible examination processes and restored public confidence in Kenya’s education system.
Following the untimely demise of Joseph Ole Nkaissery in July 2017, Matiang’i was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government.
In this critical role, he adopted a firm stance on national security issues and was instrumental in enforcing government directives aimed at maintaining law and order.
Presidential ambitions
Media reports recently indicated that Matiang’i is eyeing the presidency in 2027.
He has reportedly hired a Canadian lobbying firm, Dickens & Madson, to support his ambitions, paying a significant retainer for media and public relations services.
Additionally, Matiang’i is revamping his party, UPA, to shed its “one tribe party” image ahead of the election.
