Jubilee Party presidential hopeful Dr Fred Matiang’i has formally declared his intention to vie for the presidency, saying he is currently engaged in a nationwide listening tour to understand the concerns and expectations of ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking during recent engagements across the country, Matiang’i said the early phase of his campaign is focused on consultations rather than policy pronouncements.
“At this stage, I am holding extensive meetings across the country, listening to what Kenyans feel needs to be done. This is about hearing the people first before prescribing solutions,” he said.
From the conversations held so far, Matiang’i noted a strong sense of shared frustration among citizens, particularly over the performance of the current administration, the state of the economy and the decline of social services.
He said many Kenyans are experiencing acute economic and social pressure, describing the mood as one of widespread dissatisfaction and anxiety over national stability. According to him, concerns over over-taxation have consistently emerged as a dominant issue in nearly every discussion.
“Kenyans are in pain, especially in the social sector. There is incredible dissatisfaction across society, and over-taxation keeps coming up everywhere I go,” he said.
Drawing from his experience both in government and at the World Bank, Matiang’i admitted that politics presents a different challenge compared to technocratic work.
“I come from a technical environment, so entering politics has taught me patience. It has also given me a deeper appreciation of the voice of the people. You should never underrate anyone,” he observed.
On the fight against corruption, the former Cabinet Secretary stressed that meaningful change must begin at the top.
“There is no stronger way of fighting corruption than leadership by example. You cannot lecture people to stop doing what you practice daily. If the ruling elite are corrupt, then corruption becomes a permanent struggle,” Matiang’i said.
He added that credible leadership and integrity are key pillars in restoring public trust and steering the country forward.
