Your destiny is in your hands

Amos Kiangwe [Photo:Evans Habil/Standard]

AMOS KIANGWE, 29, works with the Parliamentary Service Commission at the Kenya National Assembly. LIZ WAFULA finds out what his job entails

Tells us about your job?

I am a social scientist with a specialisation in Political Science and Sociology. My role is to facilitate MPs as they undertake their constitutional roles.

Give a brief background of your job experience in Parliament…

I was first employed as a junior support staff in 2010 despite having a degree in Political Science from Catholic University of Eastern Africa. I worked in sensitive offices like those of temporary speakers Ekwee Ethuro and Philip Kaloki. I ensured the cleanliness of the offices, served them tea, dispatched and received their correspondences and many other services they required of me. With time, they developed confidence in me and they began assigning me duties like writing conference papers, speeches, media briefs and doing some research. This is what I currently do.

Tell us about your family and educational background….

I come from Mfangano Island in Suba. I am the second child in a family of four children. Between 1990 and 1998 when I sat my KCPE, I attended three primary schools — Riruta Satellite Primary School (Nairobi), Soklo Primary School in my rural home and then Dagoretti Corner Primary School (Nairobi) where I sat for my KCPE. I then joined Kakiimba Secondary School in Suba. I did not do well in KCSE, so I decided to go back to Form Two in Kuoyo Kochia Secondary School in Homa-Bay. After the final exam, which I performed well, I joined E-nets Africa for an IT certificate course. In 2006 I joined university to pursue Law, but changed my course to social sciences. I thought Law would take too long to complete and the common stereotype then was that many lawyers were liars. I thought that would detract from my spirituality, but I have since realised those beliefs were not true and that it all depends on an individual’s morality.

I eventually graduated in 2010 and got a scholarship to pursue a Masters degree in Governance and Globalisation in Belgium. However, I did not take up the scholarship and instead decided to go for the Parliamentary Service Commission job. I am currently a student at Kenyatta University pursuing a Masters in Public Administration and Policy.             

Do you think it is important to get professional training?

It is important, but what is more important is what you do with that education.  

What exactly do you love about your job?

My job presents me with the opportunity to holistically understand our country and the international world better.

What have been the highlights of your personal and professional life?

One of them was when President Obama’s deputy, Joe Biden, was in Kenya in 2010. I had to prepare the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association room where dignitaries, especially from the Commonwealth parliaments and Members of the Association sign the visitors book, which was a rare privilege.

I won a silver medal in athletics during an annual sporting event at my organisation. 

How do you give back to the society?

I organised a book mobilisation programme for Prof Karega Secondary School in Suba and an annual sports programme for youth in my community aimed at developing their talents. With my colleagues, we have established an environmental programme, which was supported by Ekialokiona, a local non-governmental organisation. This has led the community to consider gazetting certain forested areas. I am currently working on a book titled No More Idiots, which I expect to launch next year.

What are your future plans?

 I would like to be a big employer in Kenya and beyond. I am currently developing a mentorship group, Modules International, through which I hope to employ many people.    

What is your relationship status?

I am single.

What are your hobbies?

I love engaging in community development projects, driving, travelling and listening to gospel music. I am a quick learner, a big risk taker and very ambitious. 

 Favourite quote?

George Bernard Shaw: “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live.”

What message do you have for young people?

Your life solely depends on you; the power to make it lies within you.