In my career, I have always strived to position myself in areas where I would be able to influence policy. And that is where I am today. As the Legal Affairs Manager, I can now positively influence the lives of 47 million Kenyans through my work! I started at the entry level at the Attorney General’s office and have steadily moved up the ranks. I was admitted to the Kenya High Court in 2010 and became a member of CIArb-Kenya in 2016. I am now at the Office of the Controller of Budget, where I can influence policy. In my current position, I have been instrumental in drafting the Controller of Budget Act(2016), Draft Controller of Budget Regulations, and Public Finance Management Regulations(2015). I was also part of the Task Force on the Review of the Legal, Policy, and Institutional Framework for Fighting Corruption in Kenya. All of these have become possible because of my ever-present love of the law and my pursuit of excellence in education.
My love for the law began when I was young. I was always quick to point out injustice and was intrigued with how the law works. Although I come from a humble background and my mother had to struggle to pay my fees and take me to school, my early life was idyllic. I am grateful that I had caring parents who valued education and did all that was possible to see that I got a chance to excel. I completed my secondary school in the year 2000 and wanted to get a Bachelor's in Law. I actually differed my university studies for 4 years just so that I could undertake the course that I wanted, which was law. During those gap years, I mastered MS Office Suite and earned another Certificate in Computer Applications in Business Management. In 2004, I finally got my chance to study law at the University of Nairobi. I subsequently earned a PG Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and started my career as an advocate of the Kenya High Court. I can honestly say that I was able to follow my dream career from childhood. I have chosen to practise in the public sector since I believe that this gives me the biggest platform to transform and positively impact the lives of Kenyans.
I would say that my administrative skills and legal training have been complimentary in my career. Administrative skills help in managing time and human and financial resources. Legal training gives you the ability to critically analyse situations, which is important when making administrative decisions. I therefore strongly believe that both skill sets are necessary. I believe that all of life is a learning experience. Every single day we learn new things or learn how to do regular things in a new way. I, therefore, strive to get knowledge whenever I can. With this mindset, I can create time to undertake programs that add to my knowledge. With this attitude, I had a Bachelor's and a PG Diploma in Law before starting my legal profession. But my education never stopped there.
Currently, I'm pursuing a Masters in Strategic Management and Leadership from SNATIKA while working full-time as the Legal Affairs Manager. The reason behind this choice is a profound realisation that as I ascend the career ladder, strategy, policy formulation, planning, and effective execution are key skills required for advancement in the business world. Only higher education can elicit these skills in a professional. I am pursuing the Masters program to acquire advanced knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for applying strategic management and leadership to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity. I want to maintain a competitive edge in this dynamic world.
That being said, and unsurprisingly, at times, maintaining the work-life balance is difficult. However, I believe that everything should be done in its own time, which helps me in ensuring that when it is time for work, I give it my all and can accomplish my day's tasks and have time to concentrate on other aspects of life. I cherish family time and I ensure that each day I get to spend at least an hour or two with my family. We also take family holidays once or twice per year during which the focus is on family and work is put on the back burner. Personal time is also important for emotional health. My personal time is filled with my hobbies. I love golf. Not only is it a great way to exercise, but it also allows me to clear my mind. At the end of a round of golf, I am usually invigorated and very relaxed. I also love reading and travelling. Throughout my career, I have always sought to align myself with different people who have mentored me in various facets of the profession, like advocacy, oratory skills, research, strategic analysis, and purposeful decision-making. I am thankful to all these individuals.
Finally, with my 10+ years of legal experience, I can give you some advice. To those legal professionals that are striving for success, endeavour to always do what is right and just. Ignore any outside influence, of which there will be many, and serve all people equally and without fear or favour.