The appointment of Dr. Matiang’i to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology was timely. It was however not taken with the weight that he took over with. The ministry required many drastic measures to be in place. Many people never expected one of the cabinet secretaries to be deployed to the ministry but rather a new face introduced.
The appointment of Dr. Matiang’i was taken with mixed reactions. He was not much known before his appointment to the ICT ministry. However, with the digital migration, every house had to know of somebody by the name Dr. Matiang’i. Later, while in the acting capacity in the ministry of lands, he was involved significantly. The most remarkable being the giving of title deed to Kihiu Mwiri group in central Kenya.
Immediately he got appointed into education ministry, Dr. Matiang’i became a household name. It was necessary to hit the ground running. He made impromptu visits to secondary schools. This move was faulted by many including some teachers’ union officials. When asked, he insisted that being in charge of education he could operate from a school. Several other things and ways of conducting business were changed. The thorniest of all was the change of annual calendars and term dates. Everyone protested.
His measures on exam cheating that included deploying school heads as the centre managers have been the epitome of how things can change where there is good will and commitment. The success of this year’s national examinations has left many suggesting that Dr. Matinag’i should be transferred to EACC, lands, head of police while teachers pray he heads TSC. Many now suggest that he vies for presidency.
The Kenyan Magufuli has proven that the war on corruption that even the president has surrendered, can be won. He has within a short period of time; restored credibility in the national examinations, cleared the so called cartels in education sector and improved accountability in Kenyan schools on top of striking a balance between public and private schools.
If Kenya wants to win her war on corruption, we need a few more Matiangis. Several things should be learnt from Matinag’i.
DEVOLUTION AND COMMITMENT TO WORK
It is public knowledge that Dr. Matiang’i doesn’t work from office but rather from where the work is being done. Although his impromptu visits were criticised by many as harassing and intimidating, this is commitment by the CS to ensure that all is working. Whoever does his/her work diligently doesn’t fear impromptu visits.
Over the month of November, Matiang’i has operated from examination storage facilities every day. Every single morning, the CS woke up at before 5.00am to go and witness the opening of the storage facilities. He instructed the same be done by all office bearers. This is what Kenya needs. Leading from the front, not barking from the office.
SENSE OF RESPONSILIBITY
Acting different from all other characteristically Kenyan leaders, Dr. Matiang’i has always insisted that he takes responsibility and should be blamed just in case something doesn’t work. He has been heard severally say that the buck stops with him. This is not Kenyan. When money goes missing in an office or ministry, there is always a complicated web of blame shift. Nobody accepts responsibility. If Kenya wants to win her war on corruption, Matiang’i should be our role model on responsibility.
ACCEPT MISTAKES
2015 national examinations were practically a joke and a mockery to a civilised society. The examinations were splashed everywhere in the social media and on national televisions. The CS then denied completely there was exam leakage. Owning up is not Kenyan. Prof. Kaimenyi acted Kenyan and denied.
When the current CS took over, he offered an apology to all Kenyans especially those whose results were cancelled. Just like the president on corruption, Dr. Matiang’i accepted, there is a problem. The president should borrow a leaf from him instead of asking, what do you want me to do?
DEAL WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
While releasing the KCPE results, he announced that no candidate will have results cancelled as a matter of malpractice. We should therefore not punish innocent minors for crimes planned and executed by the seniors. Deal with the seniors. Give the cat milk to guard and see if it will drink or let it be drank.
COLLABORATION
With major setback in the fight against corruption has been lack of proper coordination and communication between the involved agencies. There is always a missing link between: EACC, DCI, public prosecution, the police service and the judiciary.
Dr. Matiang’i and Prof. Magoha have managed to bring together three ministries in the process of providing credible examinations to Kenyans. The ministry of education, science and technology, the ministry of interior and coordination of the government and finally the ministry of ICT.
HOLDING PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE
One of the measures employed in rendering a credible examination was to put people responsible and their jobs on line just in case they it go. The change of examination storage from the police armoury to a container in an open place was a big step ahead. Putting the school heads as the centre managers was the largest stride towards success. This should be replicated in all ministries. Let’s have people being answerable at varied levels. There should be a channel that kills blame shift.
DARING
Challenging the mighty in Kenya is not a simple endeavour that can be undertaken any time and by anybody. Doing away with examination cartels is no joke. Restoring order requires a bold and daring spirit alongside a working formula. This is a proof that the said cartels in Kenyan ministries, judiciary, police service etc. can be done away with.
DO MORE, TALK LESS
Kenyans were caught by surprise December 1, mid-morning to realise that KCPE was to be released in just few hours. We need people who get working with the correct formula, deliver fast and accurately with minimal noise. KCPE was released just a month after it commencement. This is less than half the time taken normally. Let’s not act like a chicken that lays one egg and makes noise for two hours.
Education is what determines the direction a country takes. Wrong form of education, cheating in examination and poor planning of education are the main ingredients in the recipe of a failed nation.
It is a prayer of every patriotic Kenyan that Dr. Matiang’i shall remain in the education ministry longer than just this one year. Next year we are voting, whoever wins the presidency should consider having the legacy built by Fred within a year give us an opportunity to have credible examinations longer. Prof. Magoha is equal to the task. He however requires a likeminded person above hm.
The war on corruption can be won, all we need is good will and commitment to service.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join