Jimmy Gambira Bockle - A Face in our Community

Jimmy is a bus driver for the Aga Khan Academy of Mombasa and has worked there for approximately two years. He is 45 years and was raised in a family of 7 children (4 sons and 3 daughters) in the Kilifi District, which is about 60 kms away from Mombasa. A very sad moment for the family occurred when his youngest sister died of a sickness due to lack of medication. His father worked at the cement factory as well as the family developing farm land for maize, sunflower, cashew nuts, mango and coconut tress. They also had animals – milk and beef cows and goats. The farm goods were mainly for the family, but it was also sold to the market.

Jimmy attended the Kenyan educational system where he completed standard 7 (Year 7) and Form 4 (Year 11). It was mandatory to have English courses in standard school, moreover, his father wanted all the children to speak reasonably fluent English. Jimmy regrets that he was not as focused in school and that he had not continued his education.

He has been married for the last 22 years and has four children, all boys aged 2 years to 21 years of age. He resides in the Kilifi District, which is about one hour away. He was able to build a house made of brick with a tin (iron sheets) roof. To a small extent, he also farms and has some animals to provide his family food.

Jimmy was a Christian; however he married a Muslim and converted. Religion is important but he does not follow all traditions and rituals. His hobbies and interests are football, swimming, and hunting (birds and antelopes). He has “ no time to waste on politics.”