Engage with: Mary Atamba Ilavo: The multi-talented, one-time colleague

By Winfred Gumbo

Retirement is a term not so many people often look up to after years of service.

For Ms. Mary, the case was different when Newsline had a sit down with her. After about 35 years of service at KNH, she is more than excited to be finally taking the ‘final break from work’. She is retiring and cannot help but wait to see what the ‘outside world’ has in store for her.

True to her promise, Ms. Mary who by the time of the interview was on terminal leave, took her time to share what life at KNH was like.

Kindly give us a brief introduction of yourself and where you come from

My name is Mary Atamba Ilavo. I have been working as the Senior Sterile Service Assistant (SSSA) at the CSSD for the last 33 years. I was born and bred in Kakamega town, the former Western Province. I started school in 1969 at Mukumu Girls. I attended both Primary and Secondary school in the same province.

Growing up, what was your career aspiration?

I had a dream to become a nurse. However, since I did not make it to become one, it was God’s plan I ended up working in a hospital.

Tell us about your family

I am a wife and mother of 3 children. I am also a proud grandmother to 2 grandchildren.

Where did you work before you joined KNH?

Immediately I completed secondary school, I worked at Mater Hospital for 6 years. On 9th January, 1987, I joined KNH with my first posting being at the Paediatric burns ward as the General Support Staff after successfully applying and getting the job. I was later on transferred to the CSSD as the Sterile Service Assistant (SSA) where I advanced to the position of SSSA till my retirement.

What has working at CSSD been like?

I am happy to have worked at the CSSD which is a very important department in the hospital for sterilization of all theatre sets. I worked with organized and proactive colleagues who made workflow easier.

I pride myself to have been the longest-serving staff in the department and was happy to nurture my fellow colleagues.

What co-curriculum activities did you like?

As a young girl, I developed my talent for signing from the teachers who gave us flutes for music.

The KNH choir started in 1987 where I have been singing the alto voice since. During my time, the choir performed at various hospital events and even got the opportunity to travel to National Presidential functions and music festivals where we competed against other choirs and emerged the best in major competitions. I remember the time we went to Hungary in 2006 for a competition where we emerged number 1.

I will continue singing with my church choir since it is very therapeutic to me.

What else do you pride yourself in?

I was the founder of KNH Netball team which started in 1999. We have gone to both Uganda and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania where we were among the top teams. I have mentored new leaders and I would like to see them prosper to greater levels. I will be pointing at them and taking pride by saying I took part in bringing up the team.

In 2008, I was the best worker in our Department and got accolades for being the best employee. I received several certificates by participating in choir, games, and my department at large.

How do you feel about retirement?

I am happy and I thank God for giving me life to have worked at KNH. I am going home a strong and active person due to the nature of physical activities I have been engaging in. I can still do 100 metres sprint which I did when I was young at the Nyayo National Stadium.

My family is happy and looking forward to spending time with me.

Parting shot?

I thank the KNH management for the support they gave me as an employee; both at work and socially. The games they support help staff a lot.

To my colleagues, I pray that you reach greater heights.

To my fellow choir and netball team members, I would like you to continue with your commitment by playing and singing outstandingly as this will uplift the hospital’s name.

For the many years I have worked at KNH, I will not forget our hospital; I will call it my hospital even after retirement because of the years I have spent here.

From Newsline, we celebrate Mary today! Congratulations on your retirement!

PHOTO | WINFRED GUMBO Mary Atamba Ilavo, former Senior Sterile Service Assistant at the Central Sterile Service Department during the interview with Newsline