The People Of Peach: Lillian Murugi’s Lesson To Young Women In STEM, And Experience Meeting The Italian President

For most people, the teenage years after clearing high school were really trying times. You have no idea what you want to do with your life, and you feel lost. The experience wasn’t any different for Lillian Murugi, the Peach Cars inspector. But all that changed when she discovered her fascination with cars- not only riding in them but also how they really work. 

Her love for cars has seen Lillian work for one of the largest vehicle assemblers in East and Central Africa, maintain former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s motorcade, and meet the Italian president.

She talks to us about her journey, thriving in a male-dominated field, being a role model to her son, and why she feels Peach is a good fit for her.

Where did the journey begin?

After clearing high school in 2012, I wanted to be an investigator. I enjoyed investigation stories, the research and the digging deeper that goes into them. But two years later, I realized I had a soft spot for cars. I was thrilled by them. I would even run after cars blindly, despite the risk I was putting myself into. That drove me into selling vehicle spare parts at Dandora Phase 5 before moving to Grogon.

It was then that I realized the automotive sector is where my future was. But I wanted to do more than just sell car spare parts. Besides, I wanted to be a mom my son could be proud of. So I went back to school.

 How challenging was it to balance work, school, and parenting?

I wanted to be a role model to my son. I wanted to teach him, through actions, to believe in himself and to always push himself to the limit to achieve his goals. Sacrifices had to be made. Everyone who wants to achieve something great must be prepared to make sacrifices. The sooner I made them, the better things would be for both of us. 

Additionally, my education was sponsored by the Simba Foundation and AVSI Foundation at St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute. I was determined to repay the faith they had shown in me. After the coursework, we were attached to Simba Corp for the practical bit of the learning. It was there that I got to work on president Uhuru Kenyatta’s motorcade.

How was it doing repairs and maintenance on the presidential motorcade?

One of the best moments of my life! From a village girl chasing cars along the road to working on the president’s motorbikes? Every girl’s dream, to be honest. 

And getting to interact with the president of one of the G10 countries?

Meeting the Italian president was the highlight of my life, professionally and personally. I don’t think anything will ever top that. 

Describe your experience working in a male-dominated field… 

Despite being in a male-dominated field, I have never felt out of place. I am in the right space, at the right time.  The men have always been helpful to my career growth. When I was just starting out, they mentored me and molded me to grow. They always see me as a colleague, not a woman. 

If you could go back in time, would you choose this line of work again?

A thousand times!

What advice would you give to women in STEM?

Don’t negotiate your growth with anyone. Know what you want and go for it. It will be easier for other people to come in and give you a helping hand if you know what you want with your life, both personally and professionally. 

You should also build yourself to be self-sufficient, whether in employment or self-employed. 

You moved from one of the largest companies in East Africa to one of the fastest-growing startups in Kenya. Why do you think Peach Cars is the right fit for you?

Before joining Peach, I had the opportunity to discuss the company’s goals and objectives and how they align with my personal career goals with the company’s leadership. I am sure this is the right place for me. I believe it will give me room to grow. Plus the rest of the team is amazing. It’s nice to interact and learn from people who are specialized in the other sectors of the automotive industry. I have the opportunity to interact directly with clients and get their perspectives on car ownership and maintenance. 

Peach is an amazing place to work. I’m enjoying every minute of it.