Early Life and Education
Kimani Wamatangi was born around 1965 in Kiambu County. He grew up in a humble background that shaped his sense of hard work and self-reliance.
He began his education at Kibiku Primary School and later joined Nyandarua High School. After completing his studies, he joined Tred P. College, where he trained in technical skills.
In pursuit of higher learning, he went to Bombay University (now the University of Mumbai) between 1980 and 1989. When he returned to Kenya, he continued his studies at St. Paul’s University, earning qualifications in Leadership and Management. He also holds a Diploma in Corporate Governance and an MBA.
In 2019, he received an honorary Doctorate in Humanitarian Service in recognition of his community work.
Business Career Before Politics
Before entering politics, Wamatangi built a successful career in business. He was the Managing Director of Auto Bass Ltd, a motor vehicle firm, and later became CEO of King Group Ltd. He also held senior positions in companies like Apex Security, Kings Construction, and Lub Plus Trading.
These ventures helped him understand entrepreneurship, management, and the challenges faced by ordinary Kenyans trying to grow small businesses.
His nickname “Wamatangi” — meaning “the man of tanks” — was born from his water-tank donation project, which started long before his political career. Through his foundation, he distributed tens of thousands of water tanks to households across Kiambu. This initiative made him a household name and a symbol of self-help progress.
Political Journey
In 2013, Kimani Wamatangi ventured into politics and successfully ran for the position of Senator of Kiambu County.
As senator, he made his mark as an active legislator, serving as the Senate Majority Whip and chairing the Transport and Infrastructure Committee. His focus on policy and infrastructure development earned him national recognition.
In 2022, running on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, he won the Kiambu gubernatorial seat, becoming the 4th Governor of Kiambu County.
Governor Wamatangi during his swearing-in ceremony in 2022.
Major Achievements as Governor
Since taking office, Governor Wamatangi has focused on improving basic services like water, education, and healthcare, while empowering youth across the county.
1. Water Access — “Maji Nyumbani”
Under his “Maji Nyumbani” (Water at Home) project, his administration has expanded water pipelines, installed tanks, and created water-harvesting systems to ensure every household has clean, accessible water.
2. Education and ECDE Centres
Wamatangi prioritised early education by upgrading all 524 public ECDE centres in Kiambu County. He believes quality education must start from the foundation.
3. Health Services
Through the “Kiambu Afya” initiative, his administration has improved health infrastructure, upgraded dispensaries, and equipped sub-county hospitals with modern facilities.
4. Youth Empowerment
He has expanded youth programmes that train young people in ICT, driving, and business skills. He also supports boda boda safety training, talent development, and sports as tools for empowerment.
Leadership Style
Governor Wamatangi is known for a hands-on and community-driven leadership approach. He often visits project sites personally and insists on transparency in county operations.
He runs his administration with a “community-first” mindset, combining public service with his long-standing philanthropic work.
Wamatangi also aligns his county’s development agenda with the national government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), ensuring Kiambu benefits from Kenya’s broader economic reforms.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite his achievements, Wamatangi has faced challenges. In April 2025, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raided his home and Kiambu County offices over alleged procurement irregularities worth KSh 1.5 billion.
The EACC reportedly recovered KSh 12 million and US $13,000 in cash. However, the High Court later issued an order stopping his arrest until the case is heard.
Wamatangi dismissed the allegations, calling them politically motivated attempts to slow his development work. His supporters say the accusations reflect the tough political environment governors face in Kenya.
Wamatangi during a community outreach programme under his foundation.
Family Life
Governor Kimani Wamatangi is married to Dorothy Jepkurui. The couple has children, though he keeps his family life largely private.
He occasionally appears in public with his wife and children during church events or official ceremonies. His humility and focus on family values have earned him respect among many Kiambu residents.
Philanthropy and the Wamatangi Foundation
Wamatangi’s passion for community service is most visible through the Wamatangi Foundation, which he founded in 2006.
The foundation focuses on:
- Water access: Over 100,000 water tanks distributed to households.
- Youth empowerment: Free training in ICT, driving, and entrepreneurship.
- Health and sanitation: Jigger eradication, fumigation, and medical camps.
- Education: Support for needy students through scholarships and mentorship.
His consistent humanitarian work led to his honorary doctorate in Humanitarian Service in 2019.
The “tangi” project remains his signature, symbolising hope and self-reliance for many Kiambu families.
Estimated Net Worth
Publicly available sources estimate Wamatangi’s net worth between US $100,000 and US $500,000, though some claim it could be as high as US $3 million.
These figures are unverified, as Kenya lacks official public asset disclosures for governors. His wealth is believed to come mainly from his businesses and property holdings before joining politics.
Compared to many Kenyan politicians, Wamatangi’s wealth appears moderate, which has helped shape his image as a self-made leader rather than a political elite.
Public Image and Future Prospects
Governor Wamatangi’s supporters view him as a visionary leader determined to bring dignity and development to Kiambu. His critics, however, describe him as rigid and sometimes unyielding in decision-making.
Still, his record in water, health, and education reforms has boosted his standing among residents.
As he navigates the corruption probe and focuses on his second half of the term, his ability to deliver tangible results will determine whether he cements his legacy or fades into controversy.
If cleared of allegations, Wamatangi could become a serious contender for national leadership in the coming years.
Conclusion
Kimani Wamatangi’s story is one of ambition, persistence, and transformation. From a local businessman known for donating water tanks to the governor of one of Kenya’s most competitive counties, his journey captures the promise and pitfalls of Kenyan politics.
Despite challenges, he continues to push for development anchored on community empowerment, self-help, and transparency. Whether his name is remembered for his water tanks or his governance reforms, one thing is clear — Wamatangi has already shaped Kiambu’s story in a unique way.
Follow us https://www.instagram.com/whisperskenyanews/
More stories https://www.whispers.co.ke/
