One on one with Mutahi Kagwe
One on one with Mutahi Kagwe and , giving a perspective on his personal tastes, his childhood, and accomplishments. He has had a long eventful career in politics and business. Hon. Mutahi Kagwe (born January, 1958), the former Minister for Information and Communications and the fifth Member of Parliament for Mukurweini Constituency.
He has had a stint at the helm of the Kenyan Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Trade, Tourism and Planning. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Nairobi, and an MBA from the United States International University (USIU) of Nairobi.
In his career Mutahi has been the advertising manager, Mashambani Magazine, and the group- advertising manager, commercial manager and commercial operations director of the Standard Group Limited between 1987 and 1994. He is currently the chairman of Research International, East Africa and the group-managing director of Tell- em Public Relations (E.A) Ltd
He has many professional memberships including the Marketing Society of Kenya, the Kenya Institute of Management, the parliamentarian network of the World Bank, and the commonwealth parliamentary association.
He attended Kihate Primary School (1965- 1971), Kagumo High School- both O levels and A levels (1972- 1977), Nairobi University (1978- 1981), United States International University- USIU (1988- 1992).
He is married to Mrs. Ann Wanjiku Mutahi and they have four children.
Ten Minutes with….. Mutahi Kagwe
What is do you do for exercise?
I have gym membership but I love to walk when the weather allows it I simply take long walks. I think walking keeps me fit and it combines my need for exercise with my passion for the outdoors. I love trees, I plant trees everywhere I can it gives a deep sense of satisfaction when I plant trees
What is your favorite pastime?
I love to read, I can read more than two books at a time. I have always had a fascination with the fusion of economics and politics and I read The Economist, often however I also read a variety of novels, autobiographies. I surround myself with books they keep my mind alive and alert. I enjoy it immensely.
If you were stranded on an Island what would you take with you?
1. My phone if possible
2. My books
I think the goal for me would be to keep my mind alive in such as situation and the Books would keep me active, mentally.
What book are you currently reading?
Am reading Joe Hamisi’s, The politics of betrayal: Diary of a Kenyan Legislator,
From Third World to First: The Singapore Story: 1965-2000 by Lee Kuan Yew
If you were to experience a place for the first time who would you take and why?
My family, if it is a holiday then I would like to spend some quality time with my family. Just relax.
What is your most memorable childhood memory? And how did it influence you
There are several but the one that influenced me to be who I am today was the fact that I was the Bell ringer for the school.
That meant that I kept the school bell on my desk with a small clock to keep time. I had to learn how to multi task by keeping time for the whole school as well as pay attention in class.
This taught me to be punctual to this day I keep time and try to ensure people around me do the same
It also gave me a sense of responsibility. Every time I rang that bell the whole school was on the move; teachers went on break, or classes came to an end, teachers moved from one class to another, students went from one place to the next. That simple task shaped my respect for power and how to handle its influence on those around you.
I also remember that as a young boy I read a book by James Hadley Chase that had someone poisoned using ice-cream and I had never tasted ice-cream. It wasn’t until I was older I was able to taste and experience ice-cream. Most people might take such trivial things for granted today but for me it fascinates me that some of these things I experienced as a grown up.
What makes you angry on a personal level?
I rarely lose my temper, I however know that am impatient especially when people repeat themselves or don’t get to the point, I get irritated. I am aware of this and am learning to keep my impatience in check.
What sport do you play or enjoy?
I rarely have time for sports but I do play golf occasionally, it is a sport I play with my friends from time to time as we socialize.
On a personal level what responsibility do you take to conserve the environment?
I plant trees. Lots of them, I strongly feel that trees make a difference in the environment. On my farm in Kieni I have planted trees and when I get an opportunity to plant a tree I do it without hesitation. Like I said earlier I love to walk and I think the environment is beautiful with fresh air and trees.
What do you admire most about the people of Nyeri?
I admire our tenacity, determination and work ethic. I think the people of Nyeri County are the most hardworking Kenyans. Just looking at what they produce on small scale farms is amazing. They effectively feed themselves and even sell at the market. Most people in Nyeri don’t have large plantations to plant large quantities of food. However they make an effort to work with what they have. And with this kind of attitude towards their work the sky is the limit. I believe given an opportunity, the right kind of economic environment, and the effective leadership the people of Nyeri County will capitalize on the fortunes of the county and make it the envy of other counties.
Story By Lydiah Nyawira of The Highland Tribune in conjunction with Nyeri online.com