Education CS, Fred Matiangi earns praise as Kenyans now want him as president

The last papers of K.C.S.E were done yesterday almost two weeks earlier than is the usual case. There has been no single result cancelled and no single reported case of cheating.
All these in record time. Last year’s Class 8 candidates will be joining Form one with the other students when schools open in January.
Take that and for a moment take time to understand just how much an efficient and seamless operation is required to achieve all that.
A few days in the examination period everyone expected a positive outcome and even rooted for one.
Such is the confidence that Dr. Fred Matiangi has inspired from the public about his abilities and dedication to the tasks at the education ministry.
However, to focus solely on his delivery as far as the national examinations are concerned is to miss the big picture of what one man has shown can be achieved when ability meets dedication to the better service of the public.
Fred Matiangi left his job as an acclaimed policy maker with experience in a broad number of sectors consulting with leading regional and international bodies to join the government.
He was among the few ministers who showed that the Jubilee government aimed to keep their promise of appointing only professionals to the cabinet. He has been among perhaps only two who have duly delivered.
There has been little fanfare, just literally hitting the ground and setting things in order. No infighting at his ministry, no lip service and theory work, no blame shifting. In education sector no one doubts with whom the buck stops and who sets the rhythm.
 
His service does not come with the threat of a rattle snake, it does not discriminate and it is not unwelcoming to scrutiny. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up to the only deserving recipient for Man of the Year accolade as declared unanimously by everyone.
His praise has been sung and he is set to get further accolades following a record breaking, mind shifting and trend setting performance with the national exams.
In another world he would have been honored by the biggest civilian award. Sadly, Matiangi lack a big tribe behind him, more specifically, he reminds Kenyans what they should expect from a regime.
In our world, it doesn’t help being the only functioning system that has purposefully conspired not to work.
That we are celebrating and lauding a civil servant for doing his job as it should be done speaks volumes of how much we have been depraved off proper service based leaderships with ready solutions.
Matiangi’s way of going about his job make his obstacles look simple when he took over the education ministry.
One year in, and a raft of changes later, dealing with striking teachers, striking students and scrupulous education officials, the education sector suddenly has a new feel.
 
Contrasting him with his predecessor Prof. Kaimenyi and you realize for once the difference between barking orders from your office and getting to the ground and ensuring the expected work is done.
When he started his impromptu visits in schools it looked a publicity stunt we are so used for our leaders, then it became norm.
School heads and county education officials stealing Free Primary Education funds and making were busted on a regular basis they had to adhere. Soon his other officials took cue and even the hard to appease KNUT had to appreciate the work he was doing.
When schools went up in fires it seemed he had met his waterloo but he stuck in with the whole public behind him as he set a raft of rules that stirred everyone from the teachers to the clergy.
A revolution was happening and traditions that seemed cast in stone were flung as Matiangi set to work.
Tertiary institutions both public and private without proper accreditation were closed, the tuition ban was finally implemented with strict punishments handed to defying institutions and individuals.
The way he reconstituted KNEC and the unity of purpose the whole team has worked in with no side shows just zeal for performance is exemplary.
By the time his time is over at the Education ministry, his will be a study in leadership in the public service. No one would mind having such a president…
 
Given the penchant of our politicians to rain on the parade of such amazing times…this will not last long in the news so for the moment it lasts, let us toast and cheer, and be inspired by the indisputable 2016 Man of The Year, Dr. Fred Matiangi, the Cabinet Secretary Education.