Ann Wanjiru Mucheru describes herself as a Go Getter, even before she joined NCBA Bank as a driver. Her “No Limit” attitude has been her guiding light through life, from a girl raised in Eldoret, to being the only female driver at NCBA Bank. She pursued a diploma in Business Administration, hoping to pursue a career in sales and marketing, but when the driver position opened up at the bank in December, she jumped on the opportunity and eventually got the job.
Her passion in driving stems from her upbringing, as a young girl, she observed her mother driving, which drove her curiosity to learn the skill. She enrolled in a driving school after completing her high school studies, knowing that having a driving license on standby would come in handy in the sales and marketing career she intended to pursue. She believes that anyone can do anything they set their minds to, and that stereotypes should not limit anyone from pursuing their dreams.
Ann is an advocate of sustainability, so when she was assigned an electric vehicle at NCBA, she was thrilled and took it up. When asked about her experience with an EV, she says that the car has been easy to handle and has awakened her conscious to the need for sustainable practices. “With the rise in volumes in vehicle imports in the country signaling high demand in them, it is imperative that people consider using electric vehicles to counter the emissions associated with fuel powered vehicles, which negatively affect our climate” she says.
As part of her regular routine with the EV, she ensures to charge the vehicle. She finds it convenient to charge her vehicle at the charging stations located at NCBA Center and NCBA House, which she considers more cost-effective compared to fueling a petrol/diesel-powered vehicle. “Charging the car is a quick process,” she notes, mentioning that the car successfully completed a 350-kilometer trip to Nyeri, confirming its value as a wise investment. Additionally, she highlights the advantage of EVs being self-charging when descending downhill, demonstrating their superiority over fuel-powered vehicles.
When speaking on the benefits of the EV, she notes that compared to a normal vehicle, the EV is much more comfortable as it is not a noisy car. The self-recharging ability of the vehicle makes a difference in pocket spend in comparison to fueling a normal vehicle. She adds that she prefers it as a sustainable option for the environment.
“I champion for the adoption of EVs in the Kenyan market. They are very affordable to maintain and with banks like NCBA offering financing on the electric vehicles, I encourage people to take up the opportunity to acquire green financing from NCBA when considering buying cars.”
Addressing the challenges she faces with the vehicle; she highlights the limited number of charging stations as a potential deterrent for prospective buyers. In Kenya, where climate change is exacerbated by global emissions, she stresses the importance of proactive measures to mitigate its effects. She calls upon the Government to collaborate with the private sector in promoting EVs. She applauds NCBA for their initiative in establishing charging stations, praising their commitment to expanding such facilities nationwide and in the region, exemplified by their Rwanda branch.
Looking ahead, she hopes for more EVs on the Kenyan roads as it is a cost-effective solution. She hopes that awareness will be raised on the vehicles, so people are educated on the capabilities of EVs. She adds that the vehicles are an efficient way to combat emissions and contribute to a sustainable future.
She motivates women to challenge the biases entrenched in traditionally male-dominated sectors like driving. She emphasizes that no one should feel restricted and asserts that there’s room for everyone in all industries. For her, the obstacles encountered have served as steppingstones for personal growth and learning.
Her passion for sustainability drives her desire to witness advancements in waste management solutions within the country. She observes that many individuals struggle with proper waste disposal and advocates for comprehensive education initiatives targeting the younger generation to instill responsible practices. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue of single-use plastics in communities to mitigate waste pollution. Encouraging women to actively participate in the fight against climate change, she stresses the significance of cleanliness and effective waste management practices starting from their households, believing that this will contribute to positive national impact.
