Citizen Spotlight: Mary Muturi - My life in the United Nations

In this interview, Mary walks us through her journey to the UN via France and Switzerland. She provides advice for individuals planning to work for international governmental organizations on fundamental do’s and don’ts. The interview is conducted by Professor David Monda of the City University of New York (CUNY).

Prof Monda (PM): How did you end up coming to the diaspora from Kenya?

Mary Muturi (MM): When you mentioned Diaspora, I'm in Diaspora in two ways. Because right now I'm retired in Kenya and I lived in the United States for more than 30 years.

But my journey started a long time ago in 1985 when I left Kenya. I first went to France where I was located for about five years. I then worked for the Kenyan Embassy in Paris.

After that, I worked in Geneva with the World Intellectual Property Organization. I then moved to the United States where I first worked with the International Peace Academy. This was an NGO, which was just opposite the United Nations. I eventually sat for entrance exams to the UN, passed them, and then secured a job with the UN.

PM: For university graduates just out of university trying to apply for jobs with the UN, what advice do you have for them to secure these positions?

MM: Let me of course tell my story. It will look as if it's very easy to just jump from one office to another and just this goes smoothly to the point of getting the UN job. Of course not!

My journey, I can say, was smooth. But this will not be the same for everyone. My steps are ordered by God. However, it's very difficult actually to get jobs at the UN. What I always tell people is that if that is God's will, nobody is going to close your door.

Because I've seen many people getting jobs, so it means anyone can still be employed by the UN. Don't just decide that I'm not employable or I cannot get a job there or I will not bother trying. Keep on trying.

PM: How should women navigate the employment space when applying for jobs and facing sexual harassment?

MM: I'm sure they're very many women who have achieved a lot without having to compromise themselves. For me personally, I have seen that my hard work has helped me and pushed me ahead.

So, it all depends on the individual. However, I always tell ladies don't give in. Sometimes you want to get rich so fast and that's how you compromise yourself. Focus on building yourself and your C.V.

When you get the job, your work will speak for itself. You don’t need to compromise yourself to get a job or progress in your career.

PM: What about Kenyans in the diaspora looking to retire back to Kenya from the US diaspora? Any advice for them?

MM: I would urge them to not just pack their bags and come to Kenya. If you don't have a plan, it can be frustrating. The system is totally different in Kenya than the way things work in the USA.

Do not think that nothing is happening in Kenya. You will be shocked how far Kenyans you left back home have advanced themselves in the period you were away.

So, think of getting together with like-minded Kenyans coming back to Kenya from the diaspora. You will do a lot more together with others than you can alone.

Invest in a project together when you go back to Kenya. You will find you can be very comfortable at retirement with the right investment back in Kenya.

PM: We're winding down here. Do you have any closing statements? Something you'd like to share, something you’d like our listeners to think about in closing, as we wrap up, for this week.

MM: Yes, what I would like to say, this is my life story in short. There are of course many other things in between, but I think I would like to tell the young ones this; Whatever you feel like doing, don't give up and don't be discouraged by others. Look at your goals. Look at what you do. Try it out because it is by trying that will be able to achieve it.

PM: Thank you for taking the time to have this interview. Have a great evening!