It’s not common to find women working as mechanics, a field mainly dominated by men.
But Daisy Otieno has defied all odds to make a living in this traditionally male-dominated industry.
Orphaned at an early age, Daisy’s desire to work as a mechanic began while she was still in primary school.
Under the tutelage of her elder brother, who also works as a mechanic, Daisy honed her technical skills and pursued formal education at Ahero Vocational Training in Mechanical Engineering.
Gaining entry into the male-dominated field after graduating in 2022, the 22-year-old faced significant challenges.
Many doubted her ability to adapt and approach intricate repairs and maintenance tasks with meticulous precision.
However, Daisy’s precision and dependability quickly spread among truck and lorry drivers, establishing her garage as a reliable source of automotive expertise.
On a good day, Daisy earns at least Ksh 3,000.
“This financial success not only supports my livelihood but also enables me to invest in my vision of providing a brighter future for disadvantaged children in my community, as my way of giving back,” she said.
Navigating Kericho County’s ever-changing weather patterns, as well as the expensive cost of spare parts, are two of the problems she tackles.
Her positivity and thirst for knowledge have cemented her reputation and made her one of the most in-demand mechanics.
“As I continue to grow my business, I aspire to inspire young women to pursue careers in mechanics. What men can do, women can do better,” she added.
