Miriam Sagini’s journey to becoming a professional civil engineer is a story of resilience, passion, and an unexpected yet transformative career path. While most people have a linear route to their careers, Sagini’s story was far from conventional. Her journey began in her childhood, where she honed practical skills that would later shape her professional success.
Born and raised in a family where hands-on work was a part of everyday life, Sagini found herself often assisting her father in fixing TV aerials at their home. These early tasks climbing ladders, adjusting equipment, and problem-solving might have seemed trivial at the time, but they unknowingly laid the foundation for her future in the world of engineering. Despite not knowing it then, this exposure to practical work was a spark that would ignite her passion for the built environment.
Though her early interests veered towards architecture, Sagini’s career path took an unexpected turn after high school. “I didn’t even know what civil engineering was until after I finished high school,” she admits in an interview with Citizen Digital. Initially planning to pursue a different course, her destiny changed when she joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and found herself enrolled in civil engineering. What started as a detour would soon evolve into a fulfilling career.
But even as she entered the field of civil engineering, the challenges did not end. Sagini recalls that her small stature and youthful appearance often led people to underestimate her. “At the start of my career, my small stature was a hurdle. I’d give instructions, but people wouldn’t take me seriously,” she reflects. Yet, through determination and expertise, she overcame these early challenges, gaining the respect of her colleagues and gradually building confidence in her role.
The road was even more difficult as a woman in a male-dominated field. The construction and engineering sectors have traditionally been dominated by men, and Sagini was no exception to the challenges that come with navigating such an environment. “Sometimes, I’d encounter men who didn’t respect my boundaries simply because I was a woman,” she says. However, over time, she learned to assert herself and found that it was her work, rather than her gender, that earned her the respect of her peers. “Today, they refer to me as an engineer. It’s all about the work,” she proudly states.
Sagini’s career has been marked by significant responsibility and professional growth. She has been entrusted with tasks that include auditing collapsed and structurally compromised buildings a role that requires both technical expertise and a keen eye for detail. Despite the complex challenges that often arise in her line of work, she remains optimistic about the future of civil engineering in Kenya.
“We have very capable engineers in Kenya. While there are certainly some bad apples who have given the profession a poor reputation, the vast majority are hardworking and skilled,” she says. Her sentiment highlights the importance of recognizing the many professionals who dedicate themselves to building safe, sustainable infrastructure for the country, despite the occasional setbacks caused by a few bad practices in the industry.
As Sagini looks ahead, she believes the future of civil engineering in Kenya is bright. Her optimism is rooted in the continued growth and practice of young engineers who are increasingly taking on leadership roles and contributing to the country’s infrastructural development. She encourages young women in particular to pursue careers in engineering and overcome any obstacles they may face along the way. “It’s important to stay focused and trust in the process,” Sagini advises.
For Miriam Sagini, the journey from helping her father with TV aerials to becoming a respected civil engineer is a testament to the power of perseverance, professional growth, and the importance of believing in one’s abilities, no matter the odds. Her story is an inspiration to young women and men in Kenya and beyond, proving that with passion and dedication, the sky’s the limit in any field.
