I spent time with the Sub County Administrator Mwatate to find out what makes her tick. This is what she had to say…..
Madam, you are quite the elusive person to get a hold on to. It has taken quite a while to have this interview with you.
Yes indeed. It is for a good reason though. As the Sub County Administrator (SCA), I am expected to be aware of all happenings within the sub county. That entails many briefing meetings with key stakeholders within the Sub County and County as well as consultations at all levels. Nothing outside my scope of capabilities.
Great to hear that! Perhaps you can share with us your background in terms of your first stint at work.
I remember vividly my first work experience. It was not your conventional job since it was just after I finished my O levels. I helped in our farm during the waiting period before joining university. That experience has really shaped my life to date because Farming is one profession where your returns are DIRECTLY proportional to your input. Hence, the famous phrase: You reap what you sow. This principle also applies in life, squarely.
It is very interesting that you have alluded to the fact that life is like working in a farm. Does that include your life working for the County Government as well?
Definitely! In life, you have to persevere for you to achieve anything worthwhile. Not that I am saying that am persevering through my role in the County Government. (laughs) Contrary to that, I am having a great time at it. I must admit that working with the public is a challenging affair, especially because we are the pioneers in implementing devolution. The lack of basic information at the grassroot level coupled with unrealistic expectations makes it even harder. However, we have managed to overcome some of the challenges. I am encouraged when someone comes to my office since it testament to the fact that they bestow a lot of trust in your ability to deliver and I strive to maintain that high level of trust.
In terms of working with various colleagues, it is both an enjoyable and rewarding experience though at the very beginning, it was challenging since we were getting to learn each other as individuals. The vast experiences that each person has and constantly brings on the table have made me learn a lot and have shaped me to be the person I am today.
On matters inspiration, who is your role model?
My role model has to be my former lecturer, Dr. Jane Rarieya. As a woman vice chancellor, she has faced a myriad of challenges, which she has been able to overcome. I have learnt a lot from her and has injected the passion within me of matters gender due to her involvement on the same.
Madam Righa, in living color.
I remember one thing I vividly remember from her is that, “In life, if you cannot make a difference, you have no reason being in leadership.
That is inspiring for sure. Perhaps you have something to add.
Yes indeed. From her challenge on making a difference, I have taken it upon myself to empower the girl child by nurturing the young girls through mentorship to help them achieve their dreams.
Well done on your initiative and for making a difference. Perhaps you can now share with me on your various likes.
Yes, I do enjoy going out with friends when I get the chance. I also enjoy watching basketball though I have never played it. (I was a basketball coach during my years as a games mistress) The sport I played while in my youth was athletics, specifically in the walking race.
In terms of food, am a vegetarian as a matter of principle. I enjoy local foods for their nutritional value they offer. Mixture of beans and ‘nduma’ with some chicken stew is what tickles my fancy.
How about your dislikes? Are there any that you would like to share? Yes, one particular one is quite pertinent, especially when it comes to service delivery to wananchi. I do not like giving people false promises. If something is possible, I say it and strive to make it happen. If it is not possible, I also state it as well without mincing of words.
In an earlier conversation, you mentioned to me that you love travelling. Where is your favorite getaway spot within the county? As well as your dream destination?
Within our beautiful county, I love Voi Wildlife lodge. I love the fact that wildlife can be viewed from the hotel and the place is serene as well; perfect for relaxation. As for my dream holiday destination, I would love to go to Zanzibar. I had a chance to go there during a few years when I used to live in Dar-es-salaam but never took that chance. So, now is the time to do it.
Zanzibar…..the theatre of dreams…
If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring? Water, Snack and a leso.
Finally, If you were 80 years old, what would you advise your children?
I would tell them that in life, it more fulfilling to help other people, whether in terms of giving them advice or even financially. Life is all about making a difference in other people’s lives and not about what you own and have. Finally, I would advise them to follow their heart.
Mwatate sub county 