Micheal Maina was once a dedicated Geography and CRE teacher in Kenya, having years of experience in secondary education. Years later, he transitioned into the tourism industry.
He worked as a tour driver for Planet Safari. This industry exposed him to different parts of the world. However, the tourism industry is known to be volatile, especially during pandemics and seasons of political tension.
In the run-up year to the 2017 elections, Kenya’s tourism industry was affected by the Ebola virus. Mike had to find greener pastures to sustain his family.
Eventually, he made his way to the United States (US) in 2016 with his wife and children. He has since worked in several roles much like many of his fellow Kenyans. Some of his previous posts include healthcare and truck driving.
“There are so many ways to come to the US. You can come for studies, with a green card, as a tourist and even as a spouse,” he said in an interview.
Currently, he has been to more than 40 states in America, working many different jobs. Despite holding a Bachelor’s degree in education, he now works as a Metro bus driver in Washington, a job that pays him well.
His day starts early, as he has to be at the bus station by 4 am, and he usually works up to 10 hours a day.
Mike said that his Bachelor’s degree still holds some relevance in the US as most employers will use it as a criterion to select the best-fit candidates for a particular job, including bus driving.
To become a Metro bus driver, you first need to attend a 33-day bus driving school and pass a test at the end. After that, you’ll need to return for another 21 days of training before you can become a permanent Metro driver.
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Mike began his job as a Metro bus driver in December 2023. While there are several challenges, his biggest issues are passengers who refuse to get off the bus and dealing with fatigue.
The starting salary for a Metro bus driver is about Sh. 4,000 ($32) per day, and the benefits are decent, including medical cover. His son in the US is a pilot.
“The biggest challenge Kenyans have when they come to the US is being selective of work. Don’t choose work,” he urged.