Dr. Kimani Wamatangi
Dr. Paul Kimani, widely known as Dr. Kimani Wamatangi, the fourth Governor of Kiambu County, has
carved a distinctive niche in the hearts of residents through his philanthropy and community
development.
Adopting the name ‘Wamatangi’ from his celebrated initiative of distributing ‘Tangi’ (water tanks) to the county’s most vulnerable, he has become a symbol of hope and progress.
Elected Governor in 2022, Dr. Wamatangi became popular through the Wamatangi Foundation,
which was founded in 2006.
This foundation was established with a mission to transform livelihoods, particularly for those at the bottom of the pyramid.
The foundation’s flagship project saw the donation of over 100,000 water tanks to facilitate water harvesting. This initiative alone has earned Dr. Wamatangi widespread admiration and respect.
The foundation’s work extended beyond water projects, focusing on youth empowerment through a
variety of training programs. These include a computer literacy training programme, driving courses and support for boda boda operators.
The foundation also organised and sponsored sporting events,
supporting talent and providing positive outlets for the youth. Additionally, it was key in combating the jigger infestation in poor households and offering community vans for communal events such as weddings, funerals and graduation parties.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation’s role became even more pronounced, providing free fumigation services and essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to safeguard the people.
Once he assumed office as Governor of Kiambu in 2022, Dr. Wamatangi seamlessly continued his
community-centric approach. His administration embraces President William Ruto’s Bottom up
Economic Transformation (BETA) philosophy, initiating several life-changing projects tailored to
uplift the local people.
One of the standout programmes under Dr. Wamatangi’s leadership is the distribution of improved
Kienyeji chicks to women across the county.
This initiative empowers women economically by transforming them into entrepreneurs, providing a sustainable source of income.
Dr. Wamatangi has revolutionised nursery school education by modernising all 524 public Early
Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centres in Kiambu.
This overhaul addresses longstanding infrastructure neglect and aims to provide a conducive learning environment for young children.
Under the “Kiambu Afya” plan, Governor Wamatangi has prioritised healthcare, striving to fulfill his campaign promise of making quality and affordable healthcare accessible. This initiative supports the broader vision of universal healthcare, ensuring that even the most marginalised residents receive the care they need.
Tackling water scarcity head-on, the “Maji Nyumbani” programme spearheaded by Dr. Wamatangi is
a significant stride towards resolving water challenges in Kiambu.
The programme involves extensive investment in water infrastructure, with over 100 kilometres of network pipes and strategically located water tanks.
This has resulted in more than 5,000 water connections, benefiting over 50,000 households.
Dr. Kimani Wamatangi’s leadership is characterised by a blend of visionary strategies and grassroots involvement. His initiatives reflect a deep understanding of the community’s needs and a dedication to creating sustainable solutions.