Young Kenyan Woman Driving Long-Distance Trucks Says Male Truckers Are Surprised By Her Skill

• Wangari Muthoni Waweru, a 26-year-old woman working as a long-distance trucker, talked about her job
• The inspirational lady disclosed that she was a mechanic before a friend taught her how to drive trucks
• Wangari shared the challenges faced in the male-dominated industry, her relationship status and what her family thinks of her work

A young woman driving long-distance trucks across East Africa has shared her journey into the male-dominated industry.

How long distance female trucker started career

Twenty-six-year-old Wangari Muthoni Waweru’s photo was shared in a truckers’ group, and many people celebrated her.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Wangari, alias Lioness Kahuari, disclosed that she started driving trucks less than a year ago.

“I was a mechanic, but my passion was to become a driver. A friend of mine, Solomon Lemaiyan, taught me how to drive trucks, and I quickly learned.”

Wangari said she currently has no permanent job and occasionally gets trips to various destinations.

“I have been to Tanzania more than five times, twice to Uganda and Rwanda and once to Congo.”

The trucker admitted that the trucking business had numerous challenges.

“When I park at stopovers to get food or shower, male drivers cannot believe I am the one who drove the truck. Some even insist on checking the cabin to ensure no one else is inside.”

Wangari disclosed that the other challenge was getting stranded after running out of fuel, and the boss was unreachable on the phone.

“Some drivers also offer you fuel when stranded but don’t want cash payment- they want you to pay with your body.

However, I tell them off.”

The trucker opened up on her relationship status, admitting she was single.

“I am not searching because the guy should look for me.”

According to Wangari, her family supports her career.

“My mother loves what I do and supports me. She encourages me, saying I will eventually get a permanent job.”

Wangari further shared the qualities a long-distance truck driver should have, saying:

“Honesty is key- don’t syphon and sell fuel. The second quality is being kind and helping other truckers because you will need their help at some point.”

She concluded by encouraging women to become truckers.

“The job is well paying. We should fight the stigma surrounding some jobs and focus on what we want. If you don't give up, there's always a chance to turn the tables.

And even if employed, it is essential to have side hustles.”

Meet Lydiah, the manual truck driver

In other news, a Kenyan woman named Lydiah learned to drive with a manual pickup and later upgraded to a lorry carrying 8 tonnes.

The driver with two years of experience shared what it was like driving a commercial lorry on Kenyan roads.

Many Kenyans found her story quite inspirational, saying it was a testament to women's strength.