Meet Dr. Alfred Mutua: From ‘Mjengo’ To The Best Performing Governor In Kenya

The Machakos County governor is by far the best performing governor in Kenya today. Compared to other counties, we all can give a standing ovation for His Excellency Dr. Alfred Mutua. In a span of five years, he has done what most presidents are unable to do in their ten-year term. Songs and poems should be written about this great man.

A man who wears many hats from a governor to movie director, here are six things you didn’t know about Dr. Alfred Mutua.

Related: 10 Things on Dr. Fred Matiang’i’s CV and His Career Journey!

6 Things You Didn’t Know About Dr. Alfred Mutua

1. Humble Beginnings

But did you know that this illustrious man started from a humble beginning? Did you also know that his first job was at mjengo (koroga) where he worked building a stone fence?

Born on 22nd August 1970 in Masii, Makueni District, he started school at Toi primary school in Kibera, went to Dagoretti High School for his O-levels and to Jamhuri High School for his A-levels.

“Mimi ni mtu wa mtaa,” he said in an interview with Capital FM.

2. His Education and Career Journey

The father of three holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from Whitworth College, U.S.A, a Master of Science Degree in Communications from Eastern Washington University, U.S.A and a Doctorate in Communication and Media from the University of Western Sydney, Australia.

When he was younger he was a lecturer at Daystar University and an assistant professor at Zayed University in Dubai.

He was a foreign correspondent and local journalist and is renowned for popular travel articles under the title of ‘Msafiri’.

3. Dr. Alfred Mutua The Movie Director

He also adds up as a movie director and a producer. At the age of 30 in the year 2000, he begun a production company, Golden Dreams Company Limited(GDC), which produced Kenya’s first action series, ‘Cobra Squad’ as well as the popular family show “Beba Beba’ which aired on NTV.

The company has also seen the production of ‘Passion Magazine” which is a lifestyle magazine. Through GDC Dr. Mutua also launched East Africa Music Awards in 2011.

4. His Career In Government

In 2004 he was appointed the first official government spokesperson where he served until 3rd September 2012. He was also the public communications secretary and head of public communications in the office of the president.

He was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) for his loyalty and exemplary performance service rendered to the nation.

5. Patriotism is in his blood

Do you remember the ‘Najivunia Kuwa Mkenya’ campaign? He established and spearheaded that campaign.

I know most of you if not all didn’t know this. This explains why he is so geared towards seeing his people and county develop. How many politicians are like this?

6. A man of action – Ni Kusema na Kutenda

He is a man of action, one on the move and one working hard to improve the lives of his constituents. In a previous interview with Saturday Nation’s Conversations With Book Lovers, he said haters do not make him lose even an iota of sleep as he struggles to transform the fortunes of Machakos County.

“My focus in life is the success. If you move ahead in life, people want to pull you down. My focus is my job. I want to deliver what I promised to my people,” he said.

Throughout his career in government, Dr. Mutua was very successful and set a precedent in how efficiency in government can be a reality in Kenya.

In the interview with capital FM a while back, he said that the best lesson he learnt from the former president Mwai Kibaki is to be consistent in what he does no matter what people say.

It’s clear that from his life he has applied consistency and more of action than words. That’s something you could borrow a leaf from.

Related: 12 Things You Didn’t Know About Uhuru Kenyatta 

Lilian Wamaitha is a Communications and Digital Marketing Officer at Career Point Kenya. Contact her via lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke. Click here to like us on Facebook.