Ummi Bashir, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage; Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, during an interview at her office in Milimani on November 6, 2024.
Ummi Bashir wears many hats. Many know her as the Principal Secretary in charge of Culture and Heritage, but she is also a mother of three, a wife, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, holds a Master's degree in Armed Conflict and Peace from the University of Nairobi, and is a PhD student at the United States International University.
In an interview with Lifestyle, the 40-year-old shares her journey from growing up in a village in Wajir County to leading Kenya’s Culture and Heritage Ministry.
How did you get here?
I was born in Wajir County in the mid-80s and have been a practising lawyer for 13 years, mainly focused on conveyancing. When I got my current position, I had to step back a bit. I have a community-based organisation called Women for Women, based in Wajir County, which focuses on economic empowerment for women, especially widows without a reliable income. We also train them in tailoring so they can make a living. I run mentorship programmes for high school girls in different Wajir County secondary schools to empower them and show that if I can do it, they can too.
Did you always want to get into public service?
Helping people inspired me to choose public service. I greatly admired my parents' work in public service—my father was a water engineer and my mother was a teacher. I wanted to make a difference and be remembered as someone who created positive change.
How did you get your appointment?
I applied like any other Kenyan. When I saw the advert, I thought, “Why not give it a shot?” Many people told me not to bother since PS positions typically go to older people or those with connections. Frankly, I wouldn’t say that I have connections, I believe I simply network with the right people. As a Muslim, I also strongly believe it was Allah’s plan for me. I felt qualified for the role as a lawyer, having worked with county governments and the United Nations, therefore, I think my CV sells, and speaks for itself. I feel privileged to be the only Muslim woman in the executive, representing many Muslims in the country.
Do you love your job?
When I came into this position, I found it’s a department people take lightly. Many see the Culture and Heritage Ministry as merely about dance and traditional attire, but we manage the National Museums of Kenya, Bomas of Kenya, the Kenya National Library Service, and the Kenya Cultural Centre. This department is the backbone of our civilisation and a source of identity for our people, so yes, I do love my job.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day starts at 4am. I run on the treadmill for an hour, then do my prayers at 5am and have breakfast with my husband. My children are usually still asleep. I head to the office, and the first thing I do is go through the newspapers to know what is going on in the country then hit the ground running. My day usually ends at around 5pm, depending on the diary that day. Then, I go for my PhD classes. However, there are those busy days when I cannot make it to class.
A normal weekend finds me at home with my family. I try my very best to spend time with my family during the weekend because that's the only time we get to be together. I love cooking lunch on Saturdays. Although it's not my favourite meal, it is my husband’s and I love preparing it for him. I go all in with my pilau, putting all the spices and ingredients. My children love swimming, so we go together. I stay offline and away from my phone unless an urgent call comes from the president or my bosses.
How do you balance all the hats you wear?
I'm a structured person. I like planning, so, if I say, ‘Today I am taking my kid to the dentist’, I will make sure that I organise my diary in such a way that I have time for my child. Work is very important, but family is even more important, in my opinion. Today if I die, this office will get someone else but my family will only have the memories that we shared together, and the time that I give them. I always look for time to bond with my family, it's a very important thing for me. I was raised in this united family setup where there's discipline, there's love and structure.
Ummi Bashir, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage; Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, during an interview at her office in Milimani on November 6, 2024.
What is your take on polygamy?
As a Muslim, I believe polygamy is a good thing and would welcome it. My schedule is very demanding, so anything that supports my husband is good. But polygamy is not a requirement in Islam; it developed to prevent zina (extramarital affairs). However, in this modern set-up, I do not think men have the financial capability of having and sustaining four wives and treating them equally. My husband has never brought (polygamy) up. I think he is very comfortable because he has never brought it up. I also think he's got a lot on his plate to think of having another wife. I mean, I am already a handful, so I do not know if he's going to handle three, four, or two more of me. I don't think we ever will have such a conversation.
Do you have a support system?
My support system is my family. My mom and dad. I thank God that they are still alive. They live in Nairobi, therefore, whenever I have to travel for work and my husband is not around, I usually pack up the children and take them to my mom's house. The fact that they are available and never say no is something I don't take for granted. I also have my husband. He is the best support I have. He never complains and understands my work. Sometimes I'm at work up to 8pm and he often puts the children to bed himself.
What was your life like before this position?
I have had to put a halt to hanging out with friends. Before we would go to the movies, go out and have some nyama choma. I used to like hanging out with my friends. Now my friends and I meet once every six months. Now, any free time I get, I try to spend it with my family.
What have you had to sacrifice?
My privacy. Before taking up this seat, I was very private, leading my own small life in a corner. Now everywhere I go people recognise me. But I have learnt diplomacy and patience through this position, this job has taught me to listen to the people and not just make just one-sided decisions for Kenyans.
What are the challenges that you find yourself encountering?
As a ministry, we are underfunded. The challenge that I have is everyone looks to us to fund and support cultural festivals. Artistes look at me seeking some government support, yet as government, we are trying to tighten our belts, to find ways that we can work without misusing resources and to stop taking more loans as a country.
On a personal level, I would say that another challenge is prayer time. As Muslims, we pray five times a day. If I am in a meeting, I might be late for prayer or need to excuse myself to pray.
What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered as the PS who made a difference in matters of culture in this country. I want the next person who comes after me to be excited about being assigned to the Culture and Heritage Ministry. I want to be remembered for inclusivity and bringing Kenyans together.
Would you want to join politics?
There is a bit of politics in everyone. For now, I want to focus on my work as a public servant and the impact I can make here. If politics becomes a path I want to pursue, I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
