Eunice Peter
Soon after high school, Eunice Peter became pregnant. To survive and take care of her young child, she did a few odd jobs. But that is all in the past for the mother-of-two who enrolled for a diploma in office administration.
Indeed, nothing remains constant except change itself, off with the old and on with the new. Things change. And friends leave. Life does not stop for anybody. She spoke to Woman Kenya about her old life and getting her groove back.
Let’s talk about the fashion makeover that brought you to the limelight. Did you see it coming?
That was unexpected and definitely a dream come true. My own watchie back at home could not recognize me. How timely! I was going through stuff then and the photo shoot lifted me.
Your makeover did trend. I think it earned you a TV appearance. Is modelling something you have given a thought?
Why not? I’m open to any offers and I am willing to learn. It also earned me side glances from my colleagues but I remembered to mind my business.
As a mother of two girls, what motivates you?
I have two daughters who look up to me and I want to be someone they are proud of. I want to make mum, dad and my immediate follower proud.
Why did you go back to school?
Because it was the right thing to do for me and my two girls.
Growing up what did you want to be?
I wanted to manage my company. It is my dream job and I am working on it.
Who pays your school fees?
I pay from my savings but also with the support of my father.
Talking of your father, where did you grow up?
I grew up in Machakos County where my parents work and live. I also went to primary and secondary school in Machakos. I can’t imagine life without them. They have always been very supportive of me and my three siblings. We are four of us, three girls and one boy and I’m the second born in the family.
Eunice Peter is a unique name…
Eunice Peter is my official name because my father does not have a surname. My girls have also adopted my first name. I guess it runs in the family.
What kind of jobs have you done?
I have worked at Nairobi hospital, Nairobi Women’s Hospital, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Creative Cleaners as a cleaner although my first job was a sales job. Immediately after high school, I got pregnant and coming from a religious family, abortion was not an option. After giving birth to my baby girl, I had to look for a job to manage baby bills. And so I left Machakos to put up with my cousin in Nairobi. She hooked me up with a Sh5, 000 a month, sales job. After working for a while, my employer relocated to Mombasa and I was jobless again.
What was your next move?
Young and clueless I went back home but came back to Nairobi to Eastleigh where tough ghetto life with another cousin pushed me to work at JKIA. I quit when I conceived my second child. When my daughter turned seven months, I went back to work at Nairobi Women’s Hospital but sought greener pastures a year later.
Did you think of doing anything else?
Of course I did, but I did not have papers.
Did you enjoy working as a cleaner?
It paid the bills. I believe people should find things to do. In fact sometimes I get angry at friends and relatives who marvel at my progress yet wanadharau kazi yangu. When they say haki Eunice unaendelea, they should know that I take my job seriously.
Were there days you wished you did something else?
Yes, especially when work came with poor work conditions, salary delays and unfair promotions.
Any highlights of your working life?
When my first born was joining school, I didn’t have enough money. Thank God I was employed and a bank loan saved the day.
How did you raise two girls as single-parent?
It was not a walk in the park but my parents supported me.
You are a beautiful woman, how do you ward off male attention especially after you became ‘famous’?
Naturally, I’m a very hard nut to crack. Hehehe. Some men have said niko na madharau. But every girl must have standards. Mine is very high and I do not entertain unnecessary attention. After all, I decide which phone call to pick.
Are you still single?
I am seeing this amazing person and so far, so good.
Your fashion sense is always on point, where do you shop and do your hair?
I shop anywhere and do my hair mtaani tu.
What is the most expensive item in your closet?
My handbag, I love handbags.
What do you do for fun?
Partying and dancing but age is catching up!
