How Kenyan Trio Found Success in Saudi's Metro Authority

By chance, Boniface Mwangangi, Joseph Irungu, and John Mutuku crossed paths in Dubai while searching for better opportunities.

In a recent interview with Chams Media, three individuals opened up about how they found themselves working with the team overseeing the Riyadh Metro, which is the biggest system in the Middle East. Mwangangi currently serves as the Group Station Master, Irungu acts as the Station Operations Manager, and Mutuku steps into his role as Station Manager. The trio reflect upon their journey from Kenya to their current positions in Saudi Arabia.

In Kenya, they pursued different career paths: One was a barista, another a businessman, and the last worked in the hospitality industry. During the interview, Mwangangi, who now holds the position of Group Station Master, shares his experience working as a barista in Dubai. He explained that this was unfamiliar territory for him, as circumstances led him there. Furthermore, he offers advice to those planning to travel abroad, suggesting that they keep an open mind and not be overly selective when it comes to job prospects.

He states that engaging in conversations with others can open up new job opportunities. He points out that many individuals start in the hospitality industry before transitioning into their desired fields. Mwangangi encourages Kenyans to maintain a strong work ethic to achieve financial stability. The Station Master emphasizes the importance of setting goals in any profession, as they assist in measuring progress and promoting personal growth.

In contrast, Mutuku was employed in the hospitality industry in Dubai before entering the transportation field and becoming the Station Manager for the Riyadh Metro. At the start, he assumed the role of customer service representative while gaining knowledge of the company's workings. Similarly, Irungu began his career journey as a customer service agent and shifted to Station Operations Manager. Previously in Kenya, Irungu was an entrepreneur.

Mutuku highlights that their recruitment process involved enrolling in a rigorous crash program aimed at equipping them with essential proficiency in the metro's functions. According to him, they undertake both remote and on-site instruction, incorporating new developments in technology for overall effectiveness. The trio affirm that the negative reputation of Saudi Arabia does not reflect the situation in the country. Mutuku explains that an immigrant's experience depends on how they engage with the local people.