Robert Matano: Politician who took radio broadcasts to rural areas

Share
Robert Matano: Politician who took radio broadcasts to rural areas
Robert Stanley Matano. (Courtesy/Prabook.com)

Robert Stanley Matano was a Kenyan politician who succeeded Tom Mboya as Kanu Secretary General. He also served the country in various Cabinet positions under Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi. Among the ministries led were Transport and Communications, Lands and Settlement, Information and Broadcasting and Health.

Matano’s father, Stanley Mwenda, was a well-known teacher, recognised for his strict disciplinarian approach. He was also credited with educating the Meru people, who reside in eastern Kenya, on proper burial practices.

Matano attended Mazera Primary School, before proceeding to Alliance High School. He then attended Makerere University, graduating with a Diploma in Education in 1948.

Upon graduation, he returned to Kenya and was posted to a teaching position at Ribe Boys School, where he worked from 1949 to 1952. In 1953, he was transferred back to his alma mater, Alliance High, where he taught Geography and Mathematics.

In 1969, Matano ventured into politics, contesting for the Kingapo parliamentary seat, which he won and served for 25 years. Besides serving in the Cabinet, became Kanu Secretary General, a role he held until 1979.

His first cabinet appointment came in January 1973, when he was made Minister for Information and Broadcasting. This followed a minor reshuffle by President Kenyatta after the death of Ronald Ngala in December 1972.

As Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Matano played a key role in extending broadcasting services to rural areas, allowing more Kenyans access to entertainment, news, and education.

Matano died in March 2008 at the age of 83, and had been admitted to a hospital in Mombasa after a short illness associated with old age. He was survived by his two wives, Ruth Kwekwe and Susan Nrori, as well as his children and grandchildren from both wives.

 

Share

Related Articles