Hii nayo ni Madharau: Rift Valley man asks what Matiang’i did apart from painting buses yellow

A man from the Rift Valley has sparked debate after questioning the legacy of former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i during his tenure at the Ministry of Education.

Speaking during a public baraza, the man dismissed the often-praised Matiang’i reforms, asking what tangible changes he had achieved apart from the famous directive to paint school buses yellow.

“Watu husema Matiang’i alifanya mambo makubwa akiwa Education CS. Lakini ukweli ni upi? Mbona mimi naona kazi yake kubwa ilikuwa kupaka magari ya shule rangi ya njano tu?” the man posed, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Matiang’i’s Record in Education

Dr. Matiang’i, who served as Education CS between 2015 and 2018, is remembered for introducing a raft of reforms in the sector. Among his most notable actions were:

• Strict exam regulations that curtailed rampant cheating in KCSE and KCPE.
• The digital learning program rollout in primary schools.
• Streamlining the school calendar and exam marking processes.
• Enforcing safety measures, including the yellow color requirement for school buses for easy identification.

His tough approach won him both praise and criticism, with many hailing him as a no-nonsense reformist, while others accused him of heavy-handedness.

Political Undertones

The man’s remarks have been interpreted by some as part of a broader political narrative, where leaders and citizens are increasingly revisiting the records of top officials from the Jubilee era, weighing them against Kenya Kwanza’s promises and performance.

While Matiang’i has largely kept a low political profile since exiting government, debates about his legacy continue to resurface, often colored by the polarized political climate.