I caught up with Chris, ward administrator, Bura ward during his rounds between the Mwatate Sub County Office and his office in Bura.
I have noticed that you have a particular love for Bikes, Chris – Yes, it is hard not to be one, especially when it is the most convenient means of transport within the County. However, even before coming here to work as a County Government staff, I still loved bikes and the speed and thrill they offer.
So, tell me about yourself. Who is this Chris Mwachia? Apart from my love for bikes, I am a son of the County. I have lived outside Taita Taveta for the better part of my childhood since my father was a army guy. I spent my childhood years in Isiolo County and I was in Embu for my secondary school education.
Chris in action during a ward baraza in Bura.
Just after high school, my first job was “kukoroga simiti” in a construction site in Isiolo. That experience was quite challenging and rewarding in equal measure. After that, we moved to Taita and yeah, life happened. Now am here .(smiles)
May I add at this point that I absolutely love mahindi ya kukobolewa and mashed beans. Yaitwa Pure aisee….(laughs)
You mentioned that your first job was challenging and rewarding. Care to explain more?
At that time, I was a young man, quite small bodied while my colleagues were “mapandikizi ya watu.” Clearly, I was the inexperienced one amongst them but it did not deter me in my work. The rewarding bit came with my first salary: I finally experienced the sweetness of making money through my sweat, literally. I bought my first shirt and belt using that cash which at that time was the princely sum of Kshs 150. (laughs)
Now that you are in the County Government, what has life been for you? The experience is fulfilling and challenging at the same time. It is a privilege to work for my people and I truly cherish the citizens of Bura ward and the entire county by extension. It is challenging because the mwananchi has high expectations of you as a person and the County Government so we are also in a phase where we have to educate them on what can be done by the County and what is their responsibility to do as individuals. One thing I totally avoid in my line of work is giving the mwananchi empty promises. If something cannot be done, I state it categorically instead of beating around the bush. That really helps.
In terms of my working relations with my fellow colleagues, I think we have realized that we are the forerunners of the County Government as an institution so the teamwork that is present amongst us is awesome. I appreciate the brother hood and at any point, should you face any challenge and ask for help, you will be assisted.
In life, who is your role model? I have two role models in my life. The first one is my father, Felix. I mentioned to you that he is a military man. Aside from the discipline he instilled in us as a family, he amazes me on how, despite his earnings, he was able to take 6 of us to school and my mother was a housewife.
The second one is Linet Mavu, the current CEC administration and Devolution. After listening to her speak several times during my work assignments, she has truly inspired me to become a better person than I was before.
In terms of travel, where within the county is your favorite getaway spot? I thoroughly enjoyed Sarova Taita Hills, which happens to be in my ward . It was an awesome experience and the customer service was top notch.
The City of Jerusalem, Chris’ dream destination.
Outside the County, where is your dream holiday destination? I would love to go to Israel. I have always had the urge to know the story behind the city of Jerusalem as well as witness the exact location where Jesus Christ was born. As a Christian, it’s only natural for me to feel like so.
Chris, on a typical weekend, what do you do? I enjoy going out with my family and relaxing since am not a lover of sports. However, when I was younger, I used to play basketball. These days I have been relegated to simply watching it on TV. I also enjoy watching wrestling, something I have enjoyed since the first time I remember watching it on TV.
If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring? My family (my wife and children), food and an inspirational book.
Lastly, If you were 80 years old, what would you tell your children? I would tell them that they have to work hard to enjoy life. Also, they need to put God first and they should totally avoid the lust for money, which can make you lose your life, sin, be apart from God.
Christopher Mwachia is the Ward Administrator for Bura Ward in Mwatate Sub County
Mwatate sub county 