With ameliorative nostalgia, Job Kabochi intuits that human beings were not meant to be this officious. He should know. His career has been a brisk climb through administrative ranks to the pinnacle of corporate bonanza, a partner at PwC.
The boy who grew up on the wrong side of Muthaiga has done well for himself. Many a man might have lost his way, for where we are from can both elevate or eliminate us – these hubs of convocation and acculturation.
Far removed from that boy, he is now a man of substance. “I haven’t got my way to owning property there, yet,” he says. However, he remains an ascetic, choosing to indulge in the outdoors and travelling for sport.
They used to call him Jobiso, after the Brazilian footballers of yore, because he was that good at football. Age has kept him—and his knees—honest. So has his wife, whom he describes as “the great blessing of my life.” He is the exactitude. She is the metaphor.
Recently, they went on a helicopter ride over Zambezi River in Zambia. “Tempting fate,” he called it. But he had calculated the odds, and fate was on his side. So was his wife.
People often say that accountants and bankers are “boring”. What do you say?
I don’t know, I am both a lawyer and an accountant. As a lawyer, you need to be outgoing; as an accountant, what people view as boring, we view as subtle. The balance sheet has to balance. I haven’t done accounting in a long time, veered towards the legal side, which is more agile, alive—but I know some fun accountants.
What’s a tax myth that people believe that gives you a good laugh?
I struggle with that one. Perhaps the only thing people say is that the only two certainties in life are death and taxes [chuckles]. I don’t know why people make that correlation. I know we all have to die, but I don’t think that we all have to pay taxes. We have to pay them, but do we all pay taxes? It may not be as certain as it's made out to be.
What do your children think you do?
Interestingly, my daughter asked me the same question today. She said, ‘I always see you on the computer, what do you really do?’ She’s nine, and I told her I help businesses and people interpret tax laws. I think she appreciates what the government does in building roads and schools, which is done through the collection of taxes.
What’s fatherhood like for you?
It is exciting. I have a nine- and a seven-year-old, who still view me as a hero. That will change over time, but it's great to see them grow and become individuals with distinct personalities. My son enjoys football and my daughter enjoys drama.
What’s your fatherhood philosophy?
Creating opportunities and letting them be. Unlike us, who grew up in a life where one had to become a lawyer or doctor, in this environment, you want to create opportunities to identify and be themselves and enjoy life. Life isn't supposed to be this structured, or living someone else’s life. Let them be.
Did you grow up in a straitjacketed home?
I’d say structured because one needed to study and become something in life. I grew up in a religious family and had rules like chores, going to church, and being part of the family. That grounds you.
Where was this?
I grew up in Nairobi, specifically Muthaiga. In a humble background. My parents worked for some Christian missionaries in maintaining their home—my dad was a cook, my mum a housekeeper.
I grew up in a highly affluent Muthaiga, but on the other side. That kept me away from things that could have led me astray; it was a secluded area, and one had to go out of their way to get into trouble.
I attended day school in primary and high school, and boarded for the first time at the university, and even with that, I could still go home…did I forget your question? [chuckles]
You grew up on the poor side of an affluent estate. How did that affect your dreams?
It motivates you because you can visualise what can be achieved. Hard work will get you this. I was agile—I could blend in with both lifestyles, but I was motivated to see what was possible.
Similarly, many people contributed in terms of sponsorship of my education, which gives me identity—a lot of people helped me, and I believe in giving back to society because many did the same for me.
Do you ever go back to Muthaiga?
Not deliberately, but I’d drive through where we lived, and the stretch, I’d walk 15 minutes to school or the bus stop. I haven’t got my way to owning property there just yet [chuckles].
What do you miss most about your childhood?
Being a child. As you grow older, too many responsibilities and things keep you awake. I grew up with two younger sisters, my dad is now deceased, and my old lady has moved back to the village in Njoro. But I miss that family setup.
Do you remember your nickname then?
Haha! It should never be repeated out loud. Hahah! It will either be Jobi or Jobiso. From my first name. Back in the village, they call me ‘Maish’. But mostly Jobiso [chuckles].
Job Kabochi during the interview at his office in Westlands on June 10, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
What did you grow up believing that has since changed?
A lot of who I am is based on the values from my family setup. Honesty, hard work—those remain true. I believe in the good in humanity, that we are inclined to do good, but I know some individuals are inherently not wired to do good. As you grow older, that is what you realise.
How do you de-escalate after a busy work day?
With my family. I do the school runs with my children because I never know what time I may leave work in the evening. We have a ritual where we ask the children what they are grateful for that day. Then we talk about how their day went, and occasionally they’d ask me the same questions. But this only happens when the schedule allows.
You are a partner, director, husband, father—what never makes it to the CV?
I wouldn’t call myself a philanthropist, but there is a lot I try and do in terms of giving back to society. You give because you can, and it means something to you, but you don’t need to go advertising who or what you are supporting.
Four years ago, I took some time off work to go and reflect on what my purpose in life is. To me, it is an opportunity to be a blessing to people—I like giving people chances in life.
What do you do just for you?
I enjoy golfing and the outdoors. I enjoy hikes, and occasionally I enjoy the Sevens’ rugby and being in a stadium. The outdoors keeps me going. I don’t believe we were meant to be in the offices. I played a bit of football growing up, hence “Jobiso.”
Nairobi is buzzing down—do you know a hidden gem for brunch or nyama choma?
There are places I like, for instance, The Wine Shop in Loresho. My wife thinks I enjoy Fahrenheit Lounge more because, after being too organised during the week, I want to listen to loud music. I don’t mind my own company, and I enjoy human behaviour.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Travelling for sport. If I have to get to a destination to watch something I enjoy, I will go out of my way to spend on the tickets, travel and accommodation. I don’t do it often, but I say life is not a rehearsal, so you need to enjoy those moments.
Speaking of, when was the last time you did something for the first time?
I am a planner [chuckles], but a fortnight ago I took a helicopter ride over the Zambezi River in Livingstone in Zambia. That was quite an experience!
What was that like?
It was interesting. We tempt fate a lot, but it was a refreshing experience at that elevated view.
What led you there?
My wife [chuckles]. She is quite adventurous and was clear that she wanted to do it.
How has your wife influenced the way you lead?
She has been a great blessing in my life. I think she has kept me honest. I can go off the rail left to my own devices. She balances me out because she brings order and sanity to my world.
What’s the one thing your wife understands about you that the boardroom never will? Mh [long pause]. That I am not perfect. In leadership, you are expected to be the know-it-all and give direction, but she knows my weaknesses and that I am not perfect.
Do you think ambition has a cost in marriage?
It does. It is not easy balancing that ambition and what your family would expect from you. Sometimes you get comfortable financially, and that's also a state of mind, but time is the one thing we gamble a lot when it comes to family.
I know I don’t spend enough time with the family. PwC has become family too [chuckles]. That division between chasing the dream has come at a cost.
What did your last heartbreak teach you?
I’ve never had one [chuckles]. You need to dust yourself, get back on the horse, and ride on. I don’t believe in sulking and getting stuck in a negative energy space. You learn from the situation and live to fight another day.
Describe your perfect weekend.
Jumping into the car and going on a road trip, hopefully to a location I have not been to with family and friends. I enjoy taking time away and disengaging from work.
What’s your top travel tip?
Keep an open mind. Sometimes you want to travel to a destination that is similar to home, but just remain flexible and agile. I love planning; I am not spontaneous, so even if I am keeping an open mind, it is within certain guardrails.
What is the one question you were ready to answer that I have not asked?
A life-changing travel…
Tell me more?
It was over two decades ago, and the first time I flew as an intern in a competitor firm. I went to Lokichogio, and it was a revelation of how privileged we are.
We went out for a stock take for an airline company that was providing relief aid services, and were living in this camp with all sorts of amenities, including satellite TVs and running showers.
Yet, around the camp, you could see the level of poverty, and you are nestled in a bubble, yet out there, the reality of poverty and the strife people are going through from the activities that have led them to flee away from their homes. That has kept me grounded and grateful for what I have.
