John Matiang'i, the brother of Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, has been appointed to the position of Deputy Director of Education days after he announced his decision to step down as the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) national treasurer.
Education CS George Magoha affirmed this saying that Matiang'i had applied to transfer his services from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to the Education Ministry.
"The ministry has no objection to the officer's request since there is a vacancy for Deputy Director for Education, Job group 'R'/CSG," Magoha stated.
Matiang'i had noted that his decision to step down as KNUT treasurer was to plot his next plan as well as focus on his studies at the University of Nairobi.
"This is not a decision to exit public service. It is a temporary but necessary break to allow me to take stock of my journey and map out my next phase.
"Even as I transition from KNUT, I remain committed to my obligations as a public servant," Matiang'i stated on his Facebook page.
He joined KNUT in 2008 in the position of Branch Executive Secretary. Six years later, he became the National Treasurer of the union- a position which he has held to date.
Known as a vocal trade unionist, Matiang'i championed the improved terms and conditions of service for teachers as well as protecting teachers' interests.
Initially, he worked as a teacher under the TSC for 14 years. He is a graduate of the University of Nairobi where he studied Kiswahili and Geography after which he joined the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, for a Masters degree in Education Administration in 2010-2013.
Last year, Matiang'i bagged a position as a member of the Public Service Superannuation Fund Board of Trustees.
Through a gazette notice dated August 7, 2020, Treasury CS Ukur Yattani appointed Matiang'i and three other members who would provide retirement benefits to persons in the public service.
The members' tenure at the board will end in August 2024.
