Running Kenya is not child’s play - Matiang'i tells diaspora in Texas

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has warned that managing a country is a serious responsibility that demands competence, policy certainty, and a focus on service delivery, not personality cults or tribal politics.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with Kenyans living in Texas, Matiang’i said the country was experiencing a period of policy confusion and service disruption, particularly in the education sector, which he blamed on a lack of proper planning and leadership focus.

“Running a country is not child’s play,” Matiang’i declared, receiving applause from a packed hall at DFW Celebrations in Irving.

“This is serious business. The learning curve in leadership is long, and the decisions made affect millions of people.”

He cited policy instability in the education sector, noting that capitation funds for schools—previously Sh1,400 for primary and Sh 22,000 for secondary students—had been reduced and were in some cases delayed or missing entirely.

 “I speak to principals and teachers who are really stressed. Policy certainty is necessary in education,” he said.

Recalling the 100% transition policy from primary to secondary school under President Uhuru Kenyatta, Matiang’i said it was time to revive and re-commit to progressive reforms tailored to Kenya’s needs.

“We must build a curriculum that is responsive to market demands,” he emphasised.

Turning to governance, Matiang’i urged Kenyans to reject tribalism and demand competence and integrity from leaders.

“Why are we still having a debate about tribes? When you go to a hospital, you don’t ask what tribe the doctor belongs to—you just want to be treated,” he said.

“The government should be about service, not ethnic alliances.”

He criticised the politicisation of religion, saying, “Your religion is your private affair. Be a good person, love your wife, give your offering—but let’s now manage the country.”

Matiang’i also urged Kenyans in the diaspora to help shape the conversation back home, especially in pushing for issue-based politics and meritocracy.

 “When you hire people here [in the U.S.], you look at their CV, experience, and record, not their tribe. Why should it be different in Kenya?”