Mike, a former Geography and Christian Religious Education (CRE) teacher from Wanyororo B in Nakuru County, Kenya, has undergone a remarkable transformation since relocating to the United States.
Previously earning a modest salary of KSh 40,000 per month as a teacher under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Mike now earns KSh 40,000 per day as a Metro Bus driver in the US.
After five years of teaching at Gatero Secondary School and later Kenyatta High School, Mike realized his salary was insufficient to support his family and community as he had hoped. The financial constraints, combined with his desire to provide more for his loved ones, drove him to seek better opportunities abroad. In 2016, he made the life-changing decision to leave Kenya for the US in search of a more stable future.
Before making the move, Mike had briefly ventured into the tourism industry, working as a tour driver and later founding his own companies, Migration Safaris and Maasai Mara Safaris. Although he had some success, the tourism sector proved to be volatile, particularly during periods of economic and health crises that significantly affected his income.
This instability led Mike to relocate to the US with his wife, in the hope of securing a more stable livelihood.
Upon arrival, Mike embraced various jobs with an open mind, from working in adult family homes to caring for people with disabilities. Eventually, he decided to pursue a career as a bus driver, a decision that transformed his life.
Securing a position as a Metro Bus driver was a challenging process. Mike underwent 33 days of intensive training, which included remaining sober and mastering the intricate details of Metro operations, such as routes and emergency procedures. Out of a class of 25, only 10 candidates successfully completed the program, and Mike’s dedication paid off when he secured a permanent position.
Today, Mike works a minimum of eight hours a day, earning approximately KSh 4,000 (32 USD) per hour. By completing 10 bus rounds in a day, he can earn up to KSh 40,000.
Unlike in Kenya, where buses wait for passengers, US Metro Buses operate on a strict schedule, ensuring Mike can stay on the move and maximize his earnings throughout his shift.
