Dr Fred Matiangi was not known until 2013 when President Uhuru appointed him as the CS for Education. His work was exemplary to the point of becoming the most powerful CS in Uhuru’s government.
Fred Matiang’i Biography & Early Life
Fred Okengo Matiang’i was born in Borabu, Nyamira County, in Kenya’s Kisii region in 1967.
Matiang’i began his career as a primary school teacher in Kisii before transitioning into academia and later politics. His early years were marked by a strong work ethic, which paved the way for his future success in public service. He studied at Menyenya High School and later proceeded to Kenyatta university.
Education Background
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) – Kenyatta University
Master’s in English – University of Nairobi
PhD in Communication and Comparative Literature – University of Nairobi.
Before joining politics, he lectured at Egerton University and the University of Nairobi, establishing himself as an intellectual in literature and governance. He also worked at an NGO.
Political Career & Key Achievements
- Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and Technology (2013–2015)
Matiang’i first entered government in 2013 as the ICT CS, where he oversaw Kenya’s digital migration from analogue TV, despite resistance from media owners.
- Cabinet Secretary for Education (2015–2018)
His tenure in education was revolutionary:
Cracked down on national exam cheating, firing corrupt Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) officials.
Reduced KCSE exam duration from six to four weeks.
Banned social activities in schools during exam periods to curb interference.
- Interior & National Government Coordination (2017–2022)
After the death of Joseph Ole Nkaissery, Matiang’i was appointed Acting Interior CS and later confirmed in 2018. His achievements included:
Enhanced national security, reducing Al-Shabaab threats.
Controversial media shutdowns during opposition protests have drawn criticism.
Chair of the National Development Committee, making him one of Kenya’s most powerful officials under Kenyatta.
- 2027 Presidential Ambitions
Recent reports indicate Matiang’i is eyeing the presidency in 2027. He has hired a Canadian lobbying firm to garner international support and is positioning himself as a Gen Z favorite amid anti-government protests.
Family & Personal Life
Dr. Matiang’i is married to Margaret Matiang’i, and together they have two children. He maintains a private family life, with limited public information about his spouse and children.
His brother, John Matiang’i, is known to be a teacher and serves as the National Treasurer at the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).
Married with two children (names undisclosed).
Margaret Matiang’i remains out of the public eye, though she is described as a supportive figure.
His brother, John Matiang’i, is a senior official in the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).
Fred Matiang’i Net Worth
As of 2025, Dr. Matiang’i’s net worth is estimated to be over Ksh. 650 million. His wealth stems from his government salary, which was approximately Ksh. 1 million per month, excluding allowances, as well as investments in real estate, agriculture, and other business ventures.
Government salary (KSh 924,000 monthly as CS).
Real estate investments, including a multi-million dollar Karen home and a Nyamira mansion.
Business ventures & consultancy roles (World Bank, UNDP).
However, his wealth has faced scrutiny, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) probing his asset declarations.
Fred Matiangi Tribe
Fred Matiangi is a Kisii,one of the most aggressive tribes in Kenya. He owns a palatial home in a place called Borabu which he built during his tenure as the Interior CS.
Matiangi Presidency
Dr Fred Matiangi is expected to contest in 2027 against President Ruto. He will square out in the opposition against Kalonzo and Gachagua. If he is given the opposition ticket,he will stand a chance of becoming the 6th President of Kenya.
Kisii tribe has 2.2 million votes. Matiangi will be supported by Mount Kenya,Kamba.Luhya and Gen Z.
