Damaris Mutinda has made history as Kenya’s first female train dispatcher on the Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a role that shows a major achievement in the country’s transport industry.
Currently working with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), Mutinda is responsible for coordinating train movements, ensuring the safe and timely flow of passenger and cargo trains along the busy corridor.
At 29, she oversees one of the most vital aspects of railway operations, ensuring trains run safely and on time across the 592-kilometre line that connects Kenya’s coast to the hinterland.
Inspiring Journey of the SGR Dispatcher
Born and raised in a rural village in Makueni County, Mutinda credits her parents for inspiring her to pursue a better life through education.
After moving to Nairobi for college, she studied international relations and Chinese, a skill that would later shape her career path.
In 2021, she joined the SGR, operated by Africa Star Railway Operation Company (Afristar), which manages the China-built railway under the Belt and Road Initiative.
“Working with the railway sector gives a sense of pride and satisfaction. Currently, I’m doing the position of dispatcher and also a translator since I’ve learned Chinese,” Mutinda shared.
Her journey began as a track and signal safety officer, where she learned the technical aspects of train operations and safety management.
Through rigorous training and continuous learning, she earned a promotion to safety dispatcher at the Afristar Dispatch Center, the nerve center of railway operations.
Mutinda now works alongside more than 20 male colleagues, making her the only woman in her department.
Breaking Barriers in Railway Operations
As an SGR dispatcher, Mutinda monitors the Centralized Traffic Control system, coordinates daily train operations, and ensures all construction and maintenance activities are carried out safely.
Also Read: Kenya Railways Warns SGR Passengers After Announcing Booking Disruption
Her job also involves maintaining communication with on-site teams from Port Reitz in Mombasa to Suswa in Nakuru County.
“We monitor the centralized traffic control system and make sure that we grasp how it operates. In case we encounter an emergency, we handle it,” she explained confidently.
Fluent in Chinese, Mutinda also serves as a translator, bridging communication between Kenyan and Chinese staff to enhance efficiency and collaboration.
Her bilingual ability has proven essential in fostering teamwork within the multinational workforce that keeps the SGR running smoothly.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Mutinda admits that her role comes with challenges, especially balancing her technical work with family responsibilities.
Also Read: Number of SGR Passengers Increases for First Time Since 50% Fare Hike
However, she credits her supportive team and mentors for helping her navigate the demanding environment.
“The nature of the work itself is a challenge, being a lady, but being equipped and ready to learn makes it easier,” she said.
To young women aspiring to join the railway industry, Mutinda offers a message of encouragement.
“The railway sector is vast and full of opportunities. I would advise women to follow their passions and pursue their ambitions fearlessly,” she said.
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