Women must rise up, take action

Nominated Senator Catherine Mukite shares with Lifestyle about her life and her entry into politics. PHOTO| FILE

What you need to know:

  • After retirement, I ventured into grassroots work of helping people, especially the women and the youth. I worked together with the Ford Kenya party and that is how I earned my nomination.

  • Also after I left banking I ventured into the hotel business, real estate and dairy farming, which I continue to date.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: I am a career banker having studied at the Chartered Institute of London. I retired from my position as credit risk manager after 20 years in the banking service. I earn a monthly pension from Barclays Bank. 

 

What were you doing before getting into politics?

After retirement, I ventured into grassroots work of helping people, especially the women and the youth. I worked together with the Ford Kenya party and that is how I earned my nomination.

Also after I left banking I ventured into the hotel business, real estate and dairy farming, which I continue to date.

 

How has the journey of being a senator been as compared to a banker?

Banking is very competitive, and high risk due to huge amounts of money handled daily. As a woman in those days you had to work hard to get recognition since there were few women in high positions, which was a big challenge.

Promotions were hard earned. Contracts were measured by performance and bank profits.

The Senate job is equally challenging in terms of demands we get from the electorate. There is really no difference between the nominated and elected senators. Demands are the same. However, resources remain a challenge as you have too much demands of individual electorate of the county you represent.

 

Tell us about your family?

I am married with four children and two grand children.

 

How do you juggle as a parent and being a senator?

My children are all grown up. They are able to take care of themselves and all I am left with is to take care of myself and my house duties.

 

What are you currently reading?

I read the Bible, the Constitution, and leadership and governance books. 

 

What does your job entail?

The role of the Senator as per Article 96 of the Constitution entails law-making.

We also determine allocation of national revenue among counties as provided in Article 217 and exercise oversight over national revenue allocated to county governments.

 

How do you unwind?

I spend time with my family and friends

 

What are your days like?

Busy. My time is shared between, Parliament, the county, friends and families.

 

Where would you love to go for a vacation?

Malindi and Canada. These places have everything I would need in life.

 

Who are your mentors?

The US President Barack Obama. He supports women and youth and addresses violence against women.

He always says that empowering a woman benefits the whole society.

 

What inspires you?

I am inspired by success and satisfaction in doing things that bring a positive impact on the society. 

 

What is your favourite food?

African food, mukimo and traditional vegetables.

 

Challenges in your work?

Biggest challenge in my work is limited resources as the Senate is not well funded.

 

What in your life has brought you the greatest satisfaction?

When I attained the highest position grade 5 manager as a woman at Barclays. Again God has blessed me as a Senator.

 

What is so exciting about your position?

There is nothing exciting; a politician is faced with a lot of challenges. There is too much poverty, inequity and corruption.

 

Your parting shot?

God has blessed me in abundance and I have a  good family. Everyone has the capacity to lead and I challenge women to rise up and take up key positions both in corporate world and politics.