Dr. Alfred Nganga Mutua, born on August 22, 1970, in Masii, Machakos County, Kenya, is a prominent journalist and politician currently serving as the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection under President William Ruto's administration. His career trajectory includes roles as the inaugural Government Spokesman, Governor of Machakos County, and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Mutua's educational journey began at Dagoretti High School and Jamhuri High School. He pursued higher education abroad, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Whitworth College and a Master of Science in Communication from Eastern Washington University. He furthered his studies with a Ph.D. in Communication and Media from the University of Western Sydney in Australia.
Professionally, Mutua has worn many hats: journalist, lecturer, businessman, and civil servant. In June 2004, he was appointed as Kenya's first official Government Spokesman by President Mwai Kibaki, a position he held until September 2012. In this role, he was responsible for communicating government policies and initiatives, notably launching the "Najivunia Kuwa Mkenya" campaign to promote national pride.
Elected as the first Governor of Machakos County in 2013, Mutua served two terms until 2022. His administration focused on infrastructure development, resulting in over 200 kilometers of new tarmac roads and more than 8,000 kilometers of graded roads. Agricultural policies under his leadership, such as subsidized fertilizers and free hybrid seedlings, led to increased yields and food self-sufficiency in the county. Water accessibility improved with the drilling of over 500 solar-powered boreholes and the construction of numerous dams and weirs. Educational initiatives included scholarships and free vocational training, enhancing employable skills among the youth. Mutua also promoted sports tourism by developing facilities like the Machakos Stadium and organizing events such as the annual Tour De Machakos. Healthcare advancements featured cancer awareness campaigns and the establishment of the Machakos Cancer Treatment and Research facility.
In September 2020, Mutua announced his intention to run for the presidency in the 2022 elections but later withdrew, endorsing William Ruto. Following Ruto's victory, Mutua was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs in September 2022. However, in July 2024, President Ruto dismissed the entire cabinet, including Mutua. Subsequently, in August 2024, Mutua was reappointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, a position he currently holds.
Mutua's personal life has attracted public attention, particularly his marital relationships. He married Dr. Josephine Thitu on July 1, 2000, and they had three children together. The marriage ended in a contentious divorce in 2015, involving disputes over property and child custody. Following the separation, Josephine relocated to Australia with their children.
After his divorce, Mutua entered a relationship with Lilian Ng'ang'a, which lasted seven years before ending in June 2021.
Dr. Alfred Mutua's journey from a journalist to a key political figure in Kenya reflects a blend of professional accomplishments and personal
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Dr. Alfred Nganga Mutua, born on August 22, 1970, in Masii, Machakos County, Kenya, is a prominent journalist and politician currently serving as the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection under President William Ruto's administration. His career trajectory includes roles as the inaugural Government Spokesman, Governor of Machakos County, and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
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