Operations at Paka Geothermal field, like all other drilling sites in the world, are dusty, muddy, and greasy. At the end of the day, the busy, and normally exhausted, crews produce mounds of soiled coveralls and other items that, well, require cleaning.
That is where Ms Eunice Mwende, Senior Housekeeper, in charge of laundry, comes in – keeping the geothermal crew living at the basecamp clean.
“Welcome to my office,” Mwende offered one hot afternoon when we caught up with her at the laundry room. “This is where we restore the integrity of garments. As you well know, cleanliness is next to godliness,” she says with a chuckle.
Here, there are washing machines, a drying machine, shelves, and a desk for clerical work.
Watching Mwende do her stuff, her passion and attention to detail are unmistakable. While her role may easily pass as just part of the camp’s daily routine, Mwende approaches it as a divine art. No garment leaves her hands without being meticulously cared for. She is known for getting even the tiniest stain or crease out.
“Cleanliness produces confidence. It boosts dignity and allows the teams to concentrate and deliver in their different duties,” she says. “Mostly, here I handle coveralls, beddings, and personal clothes from the staff at the camp.”
Mwende, an early bird, is calm and composed. Her typical day starts before sunrise, grabs a quick breakfast at the cafeteria before hitting the laundry room.
“At the laundry, the first thing is to confirm that everything is in place and operational – the washing machine, detergents, water, and power. Then I sort the fabrics according to their material, colour, and level of stain before I start the washing,” she explains.
“What keeps me going is the smiles and compliments I get from my colleagues. Their appreciation matters a great deal to know that I am also contributing to Kenya’s dream of getting geothermal power,” she says.
Every moment she walks into the laundry room, Ms. Mwende’s mindset is focused on the bigger picture -making the residents (staff) feel valued and even pampered. She knows these little touches are spirit-lifting.
“On a typical day, I serve about 70 staff members. This number normally rises towards the end of shift because many staff want to leave their garments clean. Also, I experience a lot of traffic during rig down, rig move, and rig up. These are busy, and the coveralls get stained more than normal drilling period.”
Mwende credits her journey in GDC to her first supervisor, Ms. Purity Gituma, the Ag. Manager, Property and Administration at GDC. Ms. Gituma, says Mwende, played a significant role in shaping her professional growth. “Madam Gituma is more than just a supervisor to me; she’s a mentor. She taught me the importance of attention to detail and how to approach every task with dedication and pride. Her guidance helped me become the person I am today.”
And indeed, staff at Paka Camp are all praise for Ms. Mwende. Her supervisor, Senior Drilling Engineer Isaak Makuk, is also impressed. “She (Mwende) is one of the most dedicated employees here. Her work ethic, quick learning, and organizational culture are admirable.”
Residents often drop by for chit-chats or to express gratitude for the little gestures of goodwill like, arranging clothes by color to making sure their personal items are always returned in good condition.
“Mwende is a good friend to many. She’s a jovial soul who gets along with staff,” says Ms. Stellah Wekesa, who works in the Catering Unit at the camp.
Indeed, as we continue the interview, one thing stands out: Ms. Mwende is an incredible conversationalist. “Just where did you get all these communication skills?” I inquire.
“I joined GDC in December 2009 as an Administration Officer, working as a switchboard operator. Here, I could talk to several stakeholders. That’s where I honed my communication skills,” she says.
Her time as a receptionist taught her the art of multitasking, handling different personalities, and ensuring that everyone was heard. From handling calls to greeting visitors or managing appointments, she learned the importance of making others feel welcome and valued from the very first interaction. This background not only gave her the ability to speak confidently and professionally but also made her exceptionally skilled at resolving issues.
Still, her heart was in something else- housekeeping. When opportunities arose, she didn’t hesitate. She credits her Christian faith for guiding her in her life and career.
“I became interested in joining the housekeeping section because, before joining GDC, I was working in the hotel industry. Housekeeping at GDC was therefore a natural fit for me,” she explains.
While her perfectionism ensures that every piece of clothing is cleaned to the highest standard, it’s her heart for people that really sets her apart. Mwende doesn’t just view her job as a task but as a service to others and a way to make their lives just a little bit easier and more pleasant in the tough and often grueling field work.
Though working at the camp, which is far from home, the mother of two always makes sure that she is in touch with family. “Technology helps a great deal,” she says. “We always keep in touch via calls or SMS. When everything is said and done, family is indispensable. It’s the reason we work. We must remain connected,” notes Mwende.
Mwende is also a fitness and movies enthusiast. “Whenever I get time, I jog. With family, when I am off duty, we love hikes.”
Good job Mwende,
keep them clean and well