Presidential hopeful Dr. Fred Matiangi is intensifying his focus on Kenya’s public education system, citing concerns over its capacity to meet growing demand.
Lawyer Wahome Thuku, who met Matiangi recently, said the former Education Cabinet Secretary frequently discusses education in their private conversations.
During a trip along Namanga Road in Kajiado County, Matiangi reportedly observed the rapid proliferation of private schools and expressed concerns over the imbalance with public institutions.
“While private school investment is positive, when private institutions outnumber public schools, it highlights systemic issues that need urgent attention, and he knows how to address them,” Thuku said.
The growth of private schools has been a notable trend in Kenya over the past decade, particularly in peri-urban and rural counties, reflecting shortcomings in public education such as limited resources, infrastructure challenges, and teacher shortages.
Thuku described Matiangi’s approach as hands-on and detail-oriented, noting that he personally counted schools along his route to understand the landscape.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 general election, education remains a critical policy concern, especially in regions where private institutions appear to overshadow public options.
Matiangi has not yet outlined detailed policy measures, but his campaign signals that reforming public education is a priority for his political agenda.
The focus on public schooling may influence voter sentiment in both rural and urban constituencies, where parents and communities increasingly demand quality, accessible education.
Thuku emphasized that Matiangi is committed to implementing solutions aimed at bridging the gap between public and private education.
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