James Mathenge acquired his nickname Kanini Kega in 1998 When he first vied for the Democratic Party nominations after the death of Munene Kairu. He was born in October 31, 1972 in Kieni at Nyeri County.
At that time he is 50 years old. Other leaders dismissed him as “a beardless man with nothing to offer on the political table.”
Over the years, the people of Kieni came to know him as Kanini Kega (young but good) because he was the youngest but most noble politician in the political scene in the area.
Education Background
| From | To | Education Institution | Qualification |
| 1994 | 1998 | University of Nairobi | Bachelor of Arts (Hons) |
| 1989 | 1992 | Chinga Boys High School | Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) |
| 1979 | 1988 | Muthuini Primary School | Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) |
Employment/Service History:
| From | To | Employer/Institution | Position Held |
| 2013 | To date | Kenya National Assembly | Member of Parliament, Kieni Constituency |
| 2004 | To date | Power Options Limited, | Managing Director |
| 1999 | 2004 | Solagen Limited | Sales and Marketing Executive |
| 1998 | 1999 | Kenital (K) Limited | Sales and Marketing Executive |
Membership to Committees (11th Parliament):
| From | To | Committee | Position Held |
| 2013 | April 2014 | Public Accounts Committee | Member |
| 2013 | To date | Departmental Committee on Lands | Member |
| 2013 | April 2015 | Departmental Committee on Energy, Communication & Information | Member |
Membership to Committees (12th Parliament):
| From | To | Committee | Position Held |
| 2017 | Date | Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry & Cooperatives | Member |
His real name is James Mathenge, he is among the members of parliament from central Kenya who strongly supported President Uhuru Kenyatta. He is seen by many as the right hand man of president Kenyatta in Nyeri County.
Kanini Kega Wealthy
Kieni MP James Mathenge started his life in Korogocho in Nairobi where he says his dreams to succeed took shape. He founded a solar energy company then, now valued at millions of shillings.
His company that deals with renewable energy is now valued at millions of shillings and he employs more than 50 Kenyans.
