By Kenan Miruka
The outgoing Gucha DC, Mrs Asha Kiiva, 48, joined the provincial administration at a time when it was still male dominated but she has withstood the challenge.
Throughout her career, spanning two decades, she has faced and overcome negative cultural attitudes against women administrators.
What has been you greatest achievement?
When I was transferred to Gucha in October 2008, I set out to eradicate illicit brew, chang’aa, in 100 days and that, I achieved.
What’s your background?
I studied at St Angela’s High school in Kitui and took sociology at the University of Nairobi from where I graduated in 1988. Mrs Asha Kiiva
My first posting was to Ulinzi House (DoD) where I worked as an assistant secretary.
Here I learned to get work done by the deadline. I graduated with an executive MBA from JKUAT in August 2009 and I hope this boosts my work.
Then in 1989, I was posted to Mombasa district as a District Officer cadet and worked in various divisions.
In 1998, I attended my first senior officer’s training course, after which I got a job as an administrator at Coast General hospital.
Did family get in the way?
At one time, I was called for paramilitary training when I was about to deliver. I missed a promotional course because I could not leave my new-born baby alone. I had to delay attending a paramilitary course until I was 40 to raise my children. I am a mother of three; two sons and a daughter.
How did the men welcome you?
Contending with negative attitudes from men has been the biggest challenge for me.
Men don’t put themselves in our shoes.
When it came to transfers to remote areas, while you have a young family, that’s suicide for a woman. But men will reject your proposals with a tone of finality.
So I learnt to stand my ground because men test our strength as women.
Where have you worked?
In the Rift valley, Nyanza, and Coast. In Nyanza I was the deputy PC.
Do residents embrace you?
Cultural differences were a challenge as attitudes vary from one culture to another. I had to study and understand people’s culture to work with them and get their co-operation.
What makes you tick?
My love for field administration. I like working with communities to improve their lives. I don’t like the idea of always blaming and not doing the right thing.
Have you helped other women?
During our barazas, we advocate for investment in the education of the girl child and for women empowerment. Women lag behind in development and they need recognition.
I am always appointed the gender officer to advocate for women issues.
Are women their own worst enemies?
We do not help each other by way of encouragement and supporting each other.
However, women can only rise to the top out of merit. Women should honestly and sincerely work hard.
You have to believe in yourself because in the modern world, there is a lot of intimidation. However, it is much easier for women today to be in higher levels of administration, because the oppressive culture has been done away with.