IF I CAN NEVER BE SICK THEN I CAN NEVER DIE YOUNG

Why Call A Memoir The Donkey Years? In 1986, a young public health officer, born in coastal Hills In Kenya arrived in Lamu, fresh from college training, confident that his credentials and public health education had prepared him for the work ahead. What he did not expect was that his greatest lessons would not come from textbooks, but from the humble donkey. On the narrow streets of Lamu, donkeys carried everything-water, building materials, medical supplies as well as food supplies-serving patiently where vehicles could not go. They were quiet, reliable, and essential; without them, he town would struggle to function. Their resilience, strength, and endurance became a powerful symbol. Over the next thirty-five years, Dr. James Mwashembe Malusha came torecognize that same spirit in public health work. From confronting cholera outbreaks and enforcing health laws, to training village health teams and mentoring the next generation of professionals, his journey became one of perseverance, humility, and service. The Donkey Years is not a story of titles or accolades. It is a story of communities, mentors, family, and ordinary people doing essential work that often goes unnoticed, necessary for healthy living and survival. Written with warmth, wisdom, and reflection, this memoir reminds readers that even a village boy can rise to become a professor-and that true impact lies in the quiet work that keeps the world moving.