One sunny morning, I stepped into the iconic oval red building at around 9:00 a.m., filled with youthful energy, eagerness, and weighing barely 50 kilograms. The HR manager arrived shortly after, greeting me warmly and giving me a campus tour. During this tour, I was introduced to the Strathmore University Business School (SBS) staff, who then numbered fewer than 50.
Having worked at Safaricom for about a year, I immediately noticed the stark cultural contrast between the two institutions. At Safaricom, the dress code was more relaxed—almost “my dress, my choice.” Strathmore, on the other hand, upheld a traditional “Queen Elizabeth and Royal family” standard of dressing: neat, official, and strictly modest. When I received the news of my successful interview, I had to act fast. I went to Omosh on Dubois Road in Nairobi’s CBD, who tailored two suits—one brown, one navy blue—for 2,500 shillings each. I wore one on my reporting day to fit seamlessly into this polished, professional community.
The SBS staff welcomed me warmly. One senior faculty member even took me for lunch at the then Snack Bar (now Burudani Lounge). During our conversation, he explained Strathmore’s vision and mission of promoting ethical transformational leadership. This reassured me that I had joined the right institution, and I was ready to roll up my sleeves to contribute to its mission across Africa and beyond.
Finding My Footing
In my first week, I received the tools and resources I needed for my role as an administrator, managing three programs: the Advanced Management Programme (AMP), Strategy in Action (SIA), and the Women in Leadership Programme. However, my early days weren’t without challenges. The Business Development Manager for AMP assigned me preparatory work, but my efforts fell short of his expectations. By my second week, our friction had escalated to my skip boss.
Determined to succeed, I focused on learning the ropes. Under the mentorship of an academic director known for their attention to detail, I quickly adapted. Their thoroughness taught me the importance of preparation, including conducting Sunday afternoon dry runs to ensure everything—from gadgets to room setup—was ready for Monday Programmes.
Back then, administrative work was largely manual. We prepared files and sent them to participants two weeks in advance, giving them ample time to review materials before sessions began. Teamwork was essential, and my colleagues and I rallied around each other whenever support was needed.
Lessons in Resilience
My learning curve extended beyond professional skills. One Friday, I dressed down for work, forgetting an event was scheduled. Hearing my skip boss call out, “Daisy! Daisy! Daisy!” I knew I was in trouble. After a short but pointed conversation, I was sent home to change. I sat in my nearby servant’s quarters, contemplating whether to return. A close colleague called, urging me to change and report back to work within ten minutes—or else she’d come for me. That day, I resolved to revamp my wardrobe entirely, donating everything that didn’t meet SBS’s dress code.
Thanks to two senior colleagues who mentored me, I fully embraced the Strathmore ethos. Over the next few months, I excelled in my role, staying out of trouble. After two years, I was promoted to associate. Sitting in the back of classrooms, I absorbed valuable lessons from world-class faculty and interacted with diverse participants. Back then, our programs were fewer, and faculty received personalized care, from airport pickups to game drives showcasing Kenyan hospitality.
Embracing Growth
A year into my associate role, my boss suggested I transition to business development. She believed my personality and interactions with faculty and participants made me a natural fit. Supported by seasoned Business Development Managers, I embraced the challenge and climbed through the ranks to my current role as Director of the Strathmore Global Institute. I am deeply passionate about this role and committed to its mission of expanding Strathmore’s footprint across Africa.
SBS has heavily invested in my development, sponsoring me for internal programs and providing global exposure through prestigious international partners. These experiences have shaped me into the leader I am today.
A Supportive Strathmore Family
During pivotal life moments, SBS provided unwavering support. As I prepared for marriage, colleagues facilitated marital, catechism, and doctrinal classes, easing my transition to Catholicism. Fellow staff even traveled to Eldoret to attend my wedding. When I became a mother, they celebrated with me, stepped in during my difficult pregnancies, and ensured my responsibilities were covered.
My husband, a Strathmore CPA-K alumnus, has been a steadfast pillar in my journey. He encouraged me to prioritize family time over high-pressure roles outside Strathmore. He’s also nurtured my love for reading, gifting me a book every quarter. Our children are familiar with the Strathmore family, enjoying treats from the cafeteria and walks around the serene campus grounds.
Looking Ahead
Beyond my role at SBS, I’m an entrepreneur and environmentalist, having planted 8,000 trees with a goal of 50,000 in the next five years. Reflecting on SBS’s exponential growth into a leading institution in the region, I’m proud to have been part of its journey.
As I look to the future, I remain committed to building initiatives from the ground up and contributing to SBS’s vision of transforming Africa through ethical, impactful leadership. Together with the vibrant teams and diverse clients we serve, I’m excited to continue shaping the continent’s future.
By Daisy Saina, Director, Strathmore Global Institute
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