But for a few kicks and bites, veterinary work is very good

Dr Diana Onyango, executive director, Kenya Society for Protection and Care of Animals. PHOTO| COURTESY

Dr Diana Onyango, executive director, Kenya Society for Protection and Care of Animals.

 

Where were you before you joined your current organisation?

I was working in an NGO on a part-time basis and doing consultancy on matters related to animal health and livelihood.

 

How long have you been in this organisation and what can you be proud of?

I have been here 10 months and have made several changes in management. I am still doing more.

 

Why animal health? What made you want to be a veterinary?

I have always loved animals and I love watching documentaries on animals. When I was selecting the course I wanted to do, human health, I mistakenly chose animal health.

Changing was a bit difficult so I told myself, why not try it. I have never regretted that decision. It is the new thing in our family since most of my siblings are into human health, very exciting career.

 

What does your job entail?

I am the executive officer — overall management and running of the organisation, generally overseeing the animal shelter. I am also running a dog population control programme. Taking care of animals and ensuring that they are well.

 

What is the most difficult livestock to work with?

A horse, risk of being kicked; and it is very sensitive. Their diseases are also very sensitive; the chance of it getting better when sick is low. Since it is a highly owned animal, not all vets can handle a horse.

To dogs, we are strangers and we should learn how to handle them. They react harshly to people because we are mean to them by throwing stones at them, for instance.

 

What kind of pets do you have?

Where I stay is not conducive to keep an animal, though I would love to keep a cat. I find them easy to handle once they are trained. They are very friendly.

 

What is the best part of being a vet?

Treating an animal and it gets better, since it cannot speak. That’s a nice feeling to a veterinary doctor.

 

Worst part?

Our job is a high risk one. I have been bitten by a dog, and by a cat; I have two scars from the bites. We take care of animals and, at the same time, we need to be careful when handling them.

I have been kicked by a horse and a cow when I was beginning my practice. I’ve been injured a couple of times by kicks. Never too seriously, just enough to slow me down. Always keen and alert on what I do.

 

What keeps you going?

The satisfaction of bringing change in an animal’s life. When they are suffering and they get relieved, it’s a nice feeling.

 

Who are your role models in the sector?

Dr Joyce Shamshudin. She has taught me a lot in the field and I learn many things from her.

 

Challenges?

One of my biggest challenges has been, being a woman in a predominantly male field, although the number of women in veterinary work now eclipses that of men. But people are still surprised when they encounter a female vet.

 

How do you juggle family and work?

I have learnt to balance since there is commitment to work and also to ensure that my daughter gets time to be with me when I am at home. Being a field-based person, she is used to it.

 

Which food does she like?

The animals that I don’t handle, such as fish.

 

What do you do in your free time? Any hobbies?

Travelling and cooking.

 

What have been the most memorable moments of your career?

Just being where I am now. Getting to where I am now. I have travelled to other parts of the world talking about issues related to animal health, sharing with the global world what happens here in Kenya.

 

How has the journey been, from when you started to where you are now?

Very challenging, though I am managing. It’s been a learning process and I like it since everyday I get to learn new things.

 

What inspires you?

The urge to be a better person to my daughter. I am also inspired by people who have seen potential in me, walked me through the journey and seen me grow. I want to do the same to women who want to join this profession.

 

Are you married?

I am not married, though I am the mother of an eight-year-old girl.

 

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Advancing my career to greater heights.