What does it take to run a fleet of drivers in the sugar industry? We talk to Faith Kakenya, Transport and Logistics Administrator at the Transmara Sugar Company, to discover what is involved in the job and the skills needed to succeed.
What does your job involve?
I work in the Transport and Logistics department, so it’s all about planning! I deal with the trip requests from employees and visitors, prepare a vehicle movement report, and ensure all drivers are issued with allowances and fuel. Part of my job also involves ensuring the vehicles are in good working order, both mechanically and in terms of cleanliness. I handle statements and invoices from transport contractors, update the driver rota and take time to update new contractors, tractors and motor vehicles with the weighbridge software needed.
An important part of my job is ensuring all of the department’s employees have the correct personal protective equipment. If you are considering a similar role, you need to understand the importance of laws and any certifications required, such as showing that all the weighbridges and transit stations are serviced, calibrated and stamped correctly.
Tell us about an average workday
The first task is to ensure all pool drivers are on duty, check the trip requests and allocate responsibilities to the drivers. Secondly, I handle all the queries that come in from the transport contractors and address any issues or questions that arise. There is also a lot of administrative work involved in the role, down to the smallest details, such as stocking up on stationery and toiletries. Everything has to run smoothly, so there are a lot of balls to juggle at once!
How did you work your way up to this position?
I began working at the Transmara Sugar Company back in 2014 when I had a three-month student placement. I then went back to college to sit my final exams. I was later employed by Transmara for casual work as a clerk in the finance department before transferring to the transport department as a fuel clerk on an annual contract in 2015. In 2017, I was promoted to Transport and Logistics Supervisor on a permanent basis, before getting a few years under my belt and building the knowledge I needed to get the promotion to Transport and Logistics Administrator in 2021. It’s a position I have held to date, and I believe each promotion has been earned by working diligently, honestly and efficiently. Over the years, I have embraced integrity and believe hard work pays off. To work without supervision, you need to work very well with other people and be very organised!
What skills do you need to do this job?
As mentioned, excellent organisation is key, as are multi-tasking and time management skills. Good communication gets jobs done, and a thorough knowledge of transport regulations and policies makes you a go-to resource for anyone who needs advice. There are also budgets to manage, so basic accountancy is key. The role is fast-paced, so you must thrive rather than crumble under pressure, with the ability to give clear instructions for problem-solving. Being a people person will get you far.
Where is your job based?
My job is based at Transmara Sugar Company Ltd in the Enoosaen Administration block.
What are the biggest challenges?
It can be challenging when we don’t have enough vehicles and drivers for the number of jobs allocated. I have to then prioritise the order of importance for trips and jobs, so sometimes employees can be unhappy when their requests are delayed or rescheduled. Late requests can sometimes throw a spanner in the works and, occasionally, high traffic leads to delays.
What’s the best part about your job?
It’s very satisfying when trips are completed on time and we get positive feedback from visitors or other employees. It makes all the planning and strategy worth it!
Find out more
Interested in working at Transmara Sugar Company? We advertise our latest job vacancies on the National Employment Authority (NEA) portal and via social media, including our Facebook and LinkedIn pages. We also advertise on job notice boards and in local newspapers.
