Engage With: Justine Menza

By Shiphrah Njeri

To many people, he is the driver who is always sharply dressed. A softspoken man with few words, with a heart of gold. Justine can be described as a man of many suits- you will never meet him without one. But did you know that he is the first person from the coast region to have been elected in the Afya Sacco board? Of the many hats that Justine wears, the one that gives him ultimate pride is being a father of 2 boys and a girl and a grandfather to a 3-year-old girl.

Newsline had a sit down with Justine Menza and dove into his daily schedule whilst uncovering what people do not know about him.

Your name, designation, and department?

My name is Justine Menza, born and brought up in Malindi, Magharini constituency. I am married with two boys, one girl, and one granddaughter. I am the Chief driver stationed in the transport department. Currently, I am assisting my boss Fredrick Omondi in the coordination of vehicles around the hospital; ensuring they are fueled, serviced, repaired, and dispatching them to different drivers for use at the hospital. I also drive from time to time when need be.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I have always wanted to become a motor vehicle engineer and build a car from scratch. Even though I am not an engineer, I thank God I get to deal with cars daily and that’s a dream met halfway.

How did you get into your current field?

After I cleared my A levels in 1990, I joined the National Youth Service (NYS). I did a motor vehicle mechanical course and was sent to Maralal on attachment for two years. It was not long before I completed college in 1995 when I saw an advert from KNH for trained drivers from NYS, I applied, went for the interview, and was selected for the job. This is the only job I have ever had in my life and I am so passionate about it.

How is your typical day here at KNH?

My day starts at around 7.15 am. I get the record of the cars in good condition, go to the workshop to check the status of the grounded cars, fuel all the cars at the yard, and dispatch them to the various drivers.

What’s your top career highlight?

I have served in the office of the C.E.O, the KNH Board chairman and also when I was transferred back in 2021 to be assisting Mr. Fredrick Omondi at the office of the head of transport.

What’s the weirdest thing a coworker has ever done?

This one time I was handed a morgue van for the nightshift. My colleague did not inform me of the broken lock. In the van, I was transporting four bodies and when I wanted to transfer the bodies from the van it could not open. I had to stay with the bodies until 8 am when the mechanic repaired the car. That was an awkward and unforgettable moment.

What’s the weirdest experience you have had with a patient?

Some years back, we were transporting a patient to Mathari Hospital. After handing over the patient, the security officer at the hospital blocked our exit. He demanded we stay until a decision on admitting the patient had to be done. Even after the patient was admitted, the resident doctor ordered us to ferry the relatives of the patients to their respective bus stages. That day a lot of arguments ensued between us (the nurse and me) and the Mathari hospital staff because of the patient. We left the hospital at 3 am having gotten there at 10 pm.

How do you spend your free time?

I am so passionate about giving hope and restoring faith in people. In my free time, I walk in the wards here at KNH and talk to patients, we also pray with them. I am also a motivational speaker. A month ago, I was invited to do a talk on leadership and management at the United States International University Africa (USIU). The former KNH Board chairman, Mr. George Ooko was elated that I honored his invitation to do the talk, moreover i got positive feedback from some students at the university.

What is your story about Afya Sacco?

I joined Afya Sacco immediately after employment in 1996. In 2014, I joined the delegate race in the Sacco elections and won. I won the seat consecutively for 2 terms. After a little persuasion from my friends, I joined the national race to be on the supervisory board. After a vigorous campaign, I emerged as number one at KNH and also nationally. I now supervise the activities of the Sacco nationally which has at least 8 branches in different counties.

In your own opinion, what makes a good boss?

One who listens to employees and also gives room for growth.

What makes a good coworker?

One who is always ready to give a helping hand.

Advice to people starting a career?

Be observant, love your job, and do it with all your mind like you are the only one and do not have the ‘why me’ mentality. This will propel you to greater heights in your career.

What is your plan?

I have a five-year retirement plan. I am set to retire in the next 6-7 years and I am working on developing my property and also modification of my current home.

Do you play a sport?

I play football whenever I have a chance with my friends (mpira ya wazee) in our locality.

What do you listen to during your commute?

I love to listen to all genres of music.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I am a very good dancer.

What is your favorite food?

Ugali & managu