The biggest perk about government jobs is that they are permanent and pensionable. This was one of my father's advice when I was selecting universities.
I was now looking into taking a personal loan worth Ksh8 million and a mobile loan of up to Ksh500,000. Would I buy a car or land?
I can’t remember if I ever desired to be a teacher during my primary school years. I had different ambitions but fell in love with teaching in my latter secondary school years.
Teaching is the greatest act of optimism. Whenever you teach, you prepare some for life. You impart them. Education itself is life,” my principal used to encourage us.
Why, then, would I be on the receiving end? I wanted to be the one making a change. I wanted to be that teacher who believes in you, tugs, pushes and leads you to the next level.
“Steve, you will make one great headteacher,” my university girlfriend, Shirley, used to joke.
“I see you carrying a briefcase, standing on the parade as students run into class,” she’d add, but hmm, first ensure the Teachers Service Commission employs you.
Four years on campus, teaching practice in between, and I graduated as a teacher, alongside the love of my life, Shirley.
I’d have shared our love life - how she had shaped me into a better person, drew our savings plans, and even reiterated that we should secure our future with TSC.
She even advised me to open a new bank account for my salary, optimistic that we would be employed after our application.
“But at 24 years, Shirley, what do I need another bank account for?” I argued.
“Babe, you need to get a new bank with affordable offers. You have been stuck with this one you opened in high school. Start a new life. Let the old one be for paying bills, or emergency savings etc,” she stated.
“Alright, let us get that TSC offer first, and then we can start something new, right?” I urged, and she nodded.
I received my employment letter while teaching some students at a friend’s school in the estate.
“This shows that TSC has successfully vetted your documents and posted you here in Nairobi,” Mike, as I used to call him, stated.
“What’s remaining here,” he pointed at the document, is that you have to fill your bank account for your salary,” he added.
“I remember Shirley asking me to open a new bank account. Which bank should I consider?” I asked Mike.
“Co-operative Bank,” he stated.
“Co-operative Bank,” Shirley, too, answered later on. “While researching, I found out that they run a campaign known as Niko na Kiulizio, where you open an account with zero balance, and all you do is wait for your salary.
“You can also get a personal loan and mobile loan. Babe, we can invest in the land you wanted to buy back home. Remember, a highway is set to be constructed nearby, and its worth will rise in a few years,” she added.
“Haa, Shirley. Don’t you want your boyfriend to be the new guy with a new car in town,” I joked as we laughed.
“Oh boy. Talk to Co-op Bank and find out more. I will also get a bank account soon,” she poked.
Here, I am, sitting inside Co-op Bank, talking to the customer care agent.
“It’s better for you to consider a bank that will walk with you as you start your employment.
“Niko na Kiulizio assists any government recruits, not only teachers, to settle through opening a salary account and offering you a personal loan of up to Ksh4 million after six (6) months, for a big project like buying land or a vehicle.
“You can also get a mobile loan immediately you open the account, from Ksh1,000 to up to Ksh500,000,” she added.
What enticed me more was that I could also get personal accident insurance cover, given it is a requirement for me to be employed by the government.
“Thank you. What do I need to open this account,” I asked.
“All you need is your National ID and KRA pin,” she added.
As Shirley put her hand on my shoulder, the ring I proposed to her with, visible, she smiled as she stared at the tract of land.
“You now have a government job, land, a fiancee - soon-to-be wife. All you now need is a house, teacher,” she stated.
“Don’t worry, Co-op Bank will handle that,” I added as I pulled her closer.