This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
Elizabeth Njoki, a determined entrepreneur, has risen through the ranks of the matatu industry, co-owning a 33-seater matatu with her husband Sammy Kiiru in Nairobi.
Ms Njoki's journey began when she was a storekeeper, but her passion for the matatu industry was sparked in high school during drama festivals, where she acted as a bus conductor.
She reminisces, 'My passion for the matatu industry must have been born while I was in high school when during the drama festivals I acted as a bus conductor.'
Ms Njoki's love affair with matatus did not die, and she eventually met a woman who was looking to invest in the industry. They had a discussion about the industry, and the woman asked her if she would be her conductor if she bought a matatu.
Ms Njoki accepted the role and worked as a conductor at the Embassava Sacco for two years, helping the owner of the matatu offset her loan.
However, her family was initially opposed to her entry into the industry, considering it unsuitable for a woman. But as they saw the benefits of her job, they eventually accepted it.
Ms Njoki's hard work and dedication caught the attention of sacco officials, who encouraged her to apply for a better job. She became a stage attendant, ensuring the safety of commuters and providing a listening ear for their complaints.
As she gained more experience, Ms Njoki began to entertain the idea of being her own boss. She continued to increase her knowledge of the industry, and her superiors added her extra duties at work.
Ms Njoki and her husband eventually bought a 33-seater matatu for Sh2 million, with her handling the roles of a conductor. She resigned from her job in the Sacco and renewed her conductor's licence to take over the conductor's role in their matatu.
Ms Njoki says, 'Earlier this year, we agreed that I should resign from my job in the Sacco and renew my conductor's licence so that I could take over the conductor's role in our matatu.'
The couple works from 5.30am to 9.00pm every Monday to Saturday, balancing work and family life. Ms Njoki's sons, who are 24, 21, and 9 years old, are learning to be independent, with the eldest assisting with homework and the second-born helping with minor repairs of the matatu.
Ms Njoki has faced challenges as a woman in the industry, but she has toughened up and is now able to navigate around most of them. She says, 'I have also noticed that most women, expectant mothers and the physically challenged are more comfortable riding with me as I will ensure that they are comfortable on board before the vehicle takes off.'
