Julia Kiage-Otaya: I’m passionate about all I do

Q: What kind of a person are you and what do you do?

I’m a calm, collected person, a go-getter and an all rounded person (career, wife and mum), a people’s person. I’m the scientific and regulatory affairs manager for the East Africa franchise Coca Cola and above all God-fearing. 

What were you doing prior to joining Coca-Cola?

I was the Country Nutritionist – Unilever East and Southern Africa. I was based in Nairobi and I had a stint at the South African office. 

Tell us about your family?

I have been married to Peter Otaya for more than 15 years and together we have two children, a boy and a girl. My family has been my number one supporter and I draw my strength from them. 

What does your job entail ?

I support our research and development and marketing teams in innovations and renovations of our products by advising them on regulatory requirements in different markets. I seek approvals from regulators for new ingredients and/or processes. 

What is your ideal day like?

 I manage, I review artworks, labels, claims and formulations as per the country regulations. I support our bottling partners on day to day regulatory issues and follow up on approval and registration requests from regulators. 

That sounds very demanding. Do you get time to be with your family?

Yes, I try. I balance my travel in such a way that it is not continuous. I make sure I’m always home for the weekends. 

How do you unwind?

I love walking, listening to music and watching crime channels (CSI type of shows) and sports (athletics) 

What is the one thing unique about you?

I am a very strong willed person.

What was life like growing up?

Being a first born, I learnt to take responsibility early on.  I learnt to cook very early and today, I really enjoy cooking and I’m a very good cook. I come from a devout Adventist family hence my Christian values were entrenched in me early on in life. I was a normal kid in primary school but I loved poetry, drama and public speaking. Looking back, I realise these activities prepared me well in my advocacy role. 

What did you study?

I have a bachelors in foods, nutrition and dietetics from Kenyatta University, and a masters in Food Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. I’m pursuing my doctorate. 

What drives you?

My faith in God 

If you were to mentor women, what would you tell them?

Be yourself, people will appreciate when they realise you are authentic and not trying to be someone else. Follow your dreams, facing a hurdle today while pursuing your dreams should not stop you or discourage you but should strengthen you because nothing comes easy. Learn to give back, it can be in kind, advice or even a shoulder for someone to lean on. 

What do you enjoy the most with your work?

When I finally launch a product in a market and when I receive approvals for requests to the regulators. 

What’s your favourite meal?

Ugali and managu 

What qualifications are required for such a position?

You must be good in sciences especially chemistry and biochemistry, nutrition and food safety. You must understand food laws and regulations. Keep abreast of regulatory trends and areas of food science and nutrition. 

Highlight some of your successes

When I received an award for being the Coca-Cola Values Champion for 2014. I introduced a compelling employee wellness programme.

Having an opportunity to showcase my Masters Research at the International Union of Nutritional Sciences Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2009 and being part of the 2010 African Nutrition Leadership Programme team. 

What three things do you like doing?

I love networking, working out and spending time with my family and friends. 

Who is your role model?

Nelson Mandela. 

What separates you from other people?

Passion flows in my veins – everything I do, I give it my all, I don’t give up easily. 

What mantra do you live by?

I give it all – I put in passion in everything I do and, above all, I trust in God. 

What do you do for fun?

Dancing, when I have time. 

What is your favourite colour?

Purple. 

What are your future plans?

Coach and mentor young people.

 I have started but I need to give it more time