personality feature

What binds people together is greater than what drives them apart and if enough people believe in the truth of this proposition then we might not solve every problem, but we can get something meaningful done. Equipped with love, determination and hard work as her shield the Professional Librarian in Mombasa Polytechnic University College (MPUC) Miss Rachael Ngumi has indeed seen the truth of this proposition.

At her busy days at the campus Rachael Ngumi would easily pass as a simple middle aged woman, however, the Professional Librarian has an inspiring story to tell and even change your   life. Raised in a poor family Rachael Ngumi has gone through many obstacles to reach in her current position today.

She was born 50 years ago and went to Rudhiru high school where she excelled with division 2 grade in 1980. Due to lack of funds at home to further her education she had to seek other alternatives to pursue her dreams. This landed her to work at the Kenya Agriculture Research Institute (KARI) in 1981 at Muguga.

 After saving little amount to further her studies, the Officer in charge of orientation and user education  at MPUC campus library enrolled in Ruiru High School in 1982 and through her hard work she acquired a pass in her A level (form 5 and 6).

Her love of books drove her to Kenya Polytechnic in between 1984 and 1985 where she pursued a certificate in Library Science.

‘My love of books was nurtured since I was in class three, I used to read diverse books especially arts subject, I was first appointed to be in charge of library in class seven’, said a delighted Rachael.

Immediately after her certificate in library science a door of opportunity opened at Coast girls high school and determined Rachael secured a place at the library in between 1986 and 1989.

After the three years of work experience at the Coast girls high school the now Professional Librarian was absorbed at the then Mombasa Polytechnic in 1990 in the same docket of library. Since then she has devoted her work with passion up till the College saw the potential in her work.

In 1997 to 1999 the Mombasa Polytechnic management extended a helping hand to Rachael and sponsored for her Diploma in Library and records management studies at Kenya Polytechnic in Nairobi.

They say a child that knows how to wash his or her hands properly will dine with its elders; in justification of this saying, Rachael has had the privilege of working with the Speaker of  National Assembly Hon. Kenneth Marende in Inamdar and Bowyer Advocates at Michel House next to Canon towers in Mombasa from January to July 1985.

As a part time Lecturer in library studies and records keeping at the Liberal department, the sky is the limit. She is still aiming to be a Public Relation practitioner in future GOD wilingly. She regrets she should have trained at a higher level if it were not for the circumstances that undermined her ago in her life. However, she challenges her fellow women to think critically and try what they think they are best at because she believes with determination they can achieve.

In a nutshell her philosophy is knowledge is power, however, a person should always have faith in GOD. She says most of the Sundays she spends praising and worship GOD at the church. Other things she likes doing is traveling though she admitted she has a phobia on road transport. Rachael  also likes reading story books, meeting friends and watching movies.

She noted dealing with the today customer as a challenge in her field due to changes in life and psychology in general. Most of the people who come at the enquiries desk she says are selfish, they only think about themselves and are becoming more demanding.

Her idea of perfect happiness she says is when you are of value to another person. She encourages the culture of putting other people needs first. She adores historical figure like the late Jomo Kenyatta and living figure like Ngugi wa Thiongo and Chinua Achebe

Do good all the time, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can, to all the people you can, indeed you will be a blessing; this is the impression Rachael left with me in her parting words.