Sam Thenya’s high-flying dream that never was

At his expansive office on Malik Heights on Ngong Road, Nairobi he reveals that he is about to get married. He looks excited, this is it, he says. He tells me many things off the record too. You had to be there. Twenty minutes before our interview ends, his board members arrive, perhaps to say hi to me, but mostly as a symbol of Dr Thenya’s insistence on timekeeping.

I am authentic. What you see is what you get.

If I say we’ll meet at a certain time, we’re meeting at that time. My word is my bond. I live by a higher calling—God put me here for a reason, and I’m committed to making a positive impact in this world.

I wouldn’t call myself religious, but I believe in God. I go to church, and I believe there’s a higher power, whatever form you think that takes. I don’t impose my vision of God on others; you decide how you see Him.

Not really. My morals and values guide me. In medical school, they teach you medicine, not how to be a doctor. Becoming a doctor requires more—understanding costs, insurance, and the like. I’m a gynaecologist, and while I may have a moral objection to abortions on demand because of my faith, I believe my values and God are aligned when it comes to saving a mother’s life. That is the balance I aim for.

Oh, plenty of times. I’m here today because of the people who mentored me. They reached out when I needed guidance, and I’m passing it forward. I never say no to mentoring others.

Love me for who I am, flaws and all. Especially people who aren’t obligated to. My children have no choice, haha!

I enjoy my own company. And I’m a stickler for discipline. Sometimes, I expect the same discipline from others—it’s more important than motivation.

For business, “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason and “King of Capital” by John E. Morris and David Carey.

The Bible. Beyond its religious aspects, it’s packed with lessons on life, business, and decision-making.

Moses. Moses was a flawed guy, a murderer—I am not one—but he was chosen. Moses dared to question or even get angry with God, but he stayed the course.

I grew up fascinated by planes. I even got into advanced math at — allow me to drop this — Alliance High. But my dad had other ideas—he wanted me to be a successful doctor who flies planes and even owns them. A pilot was just a “glorified driver,” he would say.  So here I am.

Not yet, haha! I am yet to start my lessons.

I’ve surpassed them. Before he passed away, from kidney failure, he told me how proud he was of what I’d built. He always wondered where I got the money to start Nairobi Women’s Hospital.

He pushed me to excel academically. Education was his key to life, and he made sure we always had something to read—be it Reader’s Digest, Newsweek, Weekly Review or Time Magazine.

I do, but with a bit more flexibility. Education is essential, but they don’t have to become a doctor or lawyer. We look at their strengths and weaknesses together.

We have a yearly family meeting, but the one-on-one time I spend with each of my children is special. We have fun, talk, and just bond. Time, just like money, is a resource that I try to utilise properly because I didn’t spend enough time with my dad.

During one of our yearly meetings, I had a few glasses of my favourite drink, and apparently, they didn’t like it. They asked me not to drink.  I eventually just quit. I could never tell my dad not to have a drink. How?

In nursery school, I got a prize for coming second—two plates and three spoons. My brother got more for being first. I convinced him to sell our prizes so we could buy sweets. During Sunday School, my dad saw us and asked, “Why are you selling your prize?” I answered, “Because it’s mine!” I got a beating, but looking back, it was my first entrepreneurial move.

Just a concept. What really matters is what it can do for you.

Self-care. I do my nails, hit the spa, gym, and run regularly. I also love to travel with my family.

I’d say I picked it up from my mum! We spent a lot of time together. I learned how to cook, and it became my way to unwind. I have no problem with most house chores except washing clothes and dishes.

Grilled seafood, especially lobster, served with grilled potatoes or vegetables.

Hm. She passed when I was 17, so we didn’t have many deep conversations.

Tough. I was there when she died. Growing up, [I grew up in a family of eight as the second lastborn], she’d visit me in school and bring me traditional porridge. She would also write me letters and helped me open my first bank account. Her death made me an angry young man. It was not until sometime after her burial when we were going to a party at my uncle’s house that I realised I never forgave her for dying on me.

In 2006, after speaking to a therapist who told me to plant five trees near her grave, which are still there. It took a while to make peace.

People who don’t keep time. I am learning that some people are just like that, although I feel it is a bit disrespectful. I am angered also by the greed of people who are stealing public resources, because how much is enough?

I gym, run, and pray. I do my best and leave the rest.

Most of the days except Sundays. Every Saturday I run 21 kilometres.

I splurge on myself. Dietwise, I am eating more ice-cream now than before.

I believe in karma. Things catch up with people, sooner or later.

80s and 90s RnB. It’s just the background soundtrack to my life.

Plan your life, not just your weekends. Don’t depend on others to do it for you.

That I have no political ambitions. Most people my age and in my position tend to gravitate toward politics.

I am afraid about the future. Not knowing how tomorrow will be is scary.

I worry about how my children will turn out. I hope they become good citizens of the world.

What I’ve achieved. My daughter recently reminded me to take a moment and appreciate all I’ve accomplished.

Engaged, actually. The wedding’s soon!

Haha! It is a small gathering. Very small. We shall, however, send photos.

Because I am marrying my best friend.

I am careful with advice, but I would say always do your best, and never second-guess yourself.