From Lecturer to Government Fixer: Dr Fred Matiang’i’s Biography

Dr. Fred Okengo Matiang’i is no stranger to the corridors of power in Kenya. From a soft-spoken university lecturer to one of the most influential Cabinet Secretaries in the country’s recent history, Matiang’i’s rise has been defined by discipline, hard work, and a no-nonsense approach to public service.

Born on April 22, 1968, in Borabu, Nyamira County, Matiang’i grew up in a modest family and attended local schools before joining Kiabonyoru Mixed Secondary School. He later moved to Kisii High School for his A-level studies, where he earned a reputation as a focused and determined student. His teachers and peers nicknamed him “Nusu mwalimu” — Kiswahili for “half a teacher” — due to his mature demeanor and serious outlook even as a teenager.

Matiang’i went on to pursue a Bachelor of Education in English and Literature at Kenyatta University. After graduation, he taught in Kisii before furthering his studies at the University of Nairobi, where he obtained both a Master’s degree in English and a PhD in Communication and Comparative Literature. His academic journey laid the foundation for a career built on intellectual rigor and policy depth.

Before joining government, Matiang’i served as a lecturer at Egerton University and later at the University of Nairobi. He also worked with international organizations, including the Centre for International Development at the State University of New York (SUNY), where he was the Eastern Africa representative. Over the years, he consulted for the World Bank, Transparency International, USAID, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, among others.

In 2013, Matiang’i’s technocratic reputation earned him an appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. There, he oversaw the country’s transition from analog to digital broadcasting, championed the roll-out of the national fibre-optic network, and promoted ICT access across schools and rural communities.

But it was his tenure as Cabinet Secretary for Education, beginning in 2015, that catapulted Matiang’i into national prominence. He led a fierce campaign to eliminate rampant cheating in national examinations. Under his leadership, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) was restructured, exam security was tightened, the KCSE calendar was shortened, and results were released within a month — a radical shift from previous years. These changes won him praise from many Kenyans who saw him as a man of action and integrity.

In July 2017, following the death of Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery, Matiang’i was appointed to head the powerful Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government. In this role, he became one of the most visible and influential figures in government. His reputation as a firm enforcer of policy earned him the nickname “Mr. Fix-It.” In 2019, he was handed even more authority when President Kenyatta appointed him to chair the National Development Implementation and Communication Cabinet Committee, a role akin to a de facto prime minister.

Matiang’i’s hardline stance and firm administrative hand won him admirers but also drew criticism, especially from sections of civil society and political opponents who accused him of being overly authoritarian. Nonetheless, he remained steadfast in his belief that strong institutions and firm leadership were essential for national development.

Away from the public spotlight, Matiang’i is a private family man. He is married and has two children. In December 2024, his elder daughter, Wendy Bochere, tied the knot in a ceremony attended by dignitaries, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta — a reflection of his enduring influence in national circles.

Following the end of President Kenyatta’s term and the 2022 general elections, Matiang’i exited government and took a sabbatical from public life. He spent time abroad, only returning to Kenya in April 2025, where he received a warm welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from leaders of the Jubilee Party. His return has reignited speculation that he could be positioning himself for a presidential bid in 2027, with Jubilee insiders suggesting he may become the party’s flagbearer.

Fred Matiang’i’s journey from the lecture halls to the highest levels of executive power is a testament to the possibilities of merit-based leadership. Whether as a policy strategist, disciplinarian, or national enforcer, he remains a towering figure in Kenya’s governance landscape — and perhaps, one whose story is far from over.