Turkana ladies take up 'manly tasks'

Juddy Achila (left) and Jully Samal on their boat in Kalokol at the shores of Lake Turkana. The two have surprised their community to become the first female boat stewards in the region. [ PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD]

Turkana, Kenya: Jully Samal and Juddy Achila, both 24, have defied all odds to become the first Coxswains (boat stewards) despite strong cultural believes associated with such jobs in their communities.

After witnessing their expertise and passion in steering boats, Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) decided to enlist them in the Department of Rescue Teams in its operation areas.

Rigorous training

Their responsibilities is to lead rescue teams in river Turkwel and Lake Turkana respectively, becoming the first female staff to take up the task previously a preserve for men.

Recently, government officials who were conducting interviews were forced to consult KVDA and their parents to seek approval before endorsing them.

"We wanted clarification from KVDA together with the parents of the two ladies because the community still believes ladies are not allowed to participate in such activities," said a KVDA official who asked not to be named.

Samal and Achila's move is an indication that the wheels of change are turning fast in the culturally rich Pokot and Turkana region.

The ladies have distinguished themselves and they belief that what men can do, women can do it even better.

The two have surprised the male folk and elders by standing firm on what they believe in even competing with men for the few available jobs in Turkana county.

"It was not an easy task for us  because we had to go through rigorous training with men. Most Turkana residents still believe in customs that bar ladies in certain activities," said Samal.

 Ms Samal, a former African Institute of Studies student in Nakuru was employed by KVDA in 2013, and later taken to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to pursue a Coxswain course for three months.

When The Standard spotted them on a speed boat at the shores of Lake Turkana, they were trying out a new modern boat for stability.

Career choice

"It is important for those using boats to protect themselves by putting on protective gears in case the boat capsizes in the middle of the lake. This is not our rule, but an obvious precautionary measure the world over," said Samal.

KVDA Managing Director David Kimosop says the organisation now plans to train more teenagers, especially ladies to lead rescue operations in river Turkwel and Lake Turkana.

I urge parents to let their children choose professions they are comfortable in," said Mr Kimosop.