WOMAN TO WOMAN: I encourage women to put their best foot forward

Machakos Woman Representative Dr Susan Musyoka says she loves encouraging women to exploit  business opportunities in the county

Q: Tell us about yourself

My name is Dr Susan Musyoka, I am a medical doctor and the Machakos Woman Representative. 

Briefly talk about your background

I am the third born in a family of five siblings. We were brought up in Matungulu by a widow who was a primary school teacher. Our father was a clergyman in the AIC. He died in a road accident when I was nine. I was inspired to work hard and excel by my mother.

What were you doing prior to joining politics?

I was practising medicine in Machakos town as a private practitioner. I have a medical degree from Nairobi University (1980) and a masters in Public Health from Leeds University (1991).

How are your days like?

I live on a farm in the outskirts of Machakos town and I commute to Nairobi for National Assembly functions. When not in Parliament, I spend time meeting various groups in the county.

Do you get time for your family?

My family is top priority and I set aside time for them. I must admit being a public figure is demanding and it often eats into family time. 

What one thing is unique about you?

I love farming and I try out all crops like growing mushroom,  vegetables and rearing rabbits, kienyeji chicken. I am a Rotarian and have participated in various community  projects through the Rotary movement.

What plans do you have for Machakos women?

To see them attain high education levels and develop entrepreneurial skills. Due to the proximity to Nairobi, I know there is great potential for business growth in our county. We have trained more than 2,000 women and youth and given them starter kits to start businesses.

What drives you?

I have witnessed much suffering and helplessness among the people I serve in my medical practice especially the women. This has given me a strong urge to be involved in decision making processes and policy development in the country. 

Tell us about your family?

I am married to a wonderful man, Tito Musyoka,  a businessman in Machakos town and together we have three grown up girls. We love serving God in church.

If you were given a chance to mentor women, what would you tell them?

To stop shying away, to come forth and stand out, work hard and fight for what is rightfully ours. Nothing is ever given freely and the struggle to achieve can never be in vain. Therefore let us put our best foot forward and keep going. 

What do you enjoy the most about your work?

I am a typical Kenyan woman eager to see things changing for the better especially for women and families.

What’s your favourite meal?

Chicken in mushroom sauce and roast potatoes with fresh vegetable salad.

What three things do you like doing?

I love reading, travelling, meeting my constituents and spending time with my family.

Who is your role model?

Charity Ngilu and Martha Karua. They put women at the forefront during the struggle for multi-partyism.

What sets you apart?

I always speak the truth and fight for equality while using sound evidence and pushing for inclusivity to ensure no one is left behind.

What mantra do you live by?

 I am a Christian and strongly believe in God’s divine power to intervene and bring the desired change especially for the less privileged. I spend a lot of time in prayer and meditation. 

How do you unwind?

I watch movies, spend time with my family, read motivational books and occasionally play a round of golf at the Machakos Golf Club.

What are your future plans?

To faithfully serve the people of Kenya for as long as God and the people themselves will allow me.