David Karuri has his mind and heart set on two different areas. Of the two, medicine is the sky and biking is the sea, yet David has chosen to stand in between both. Why? Perhaps it’s because somewhere in the world there’s a stereotype that a biker can’t be a doctor. Or maybe because biking helps him glide through traffic on his way to the surgical ward. Whatever the case may be, Dr. David Karuri is a man who inspires.
Even at the age of ten, David sought to continuously evolve himself into a better person. At the time, he expressed an interest in aviation, hoping to steer planes from city to city, countries to islands and view the world from the clouds. But in those days, being a pilot was not a recognizable career so David re-examined his options. If not flying, then what? He had time, so there was no immediate pressure to decide, besides, school was fun! Then the thought of having the title ‘daktari’ before his name made David consider being a medic – a persuasive choice. It was not until David picked up a blade to dissect a frog in one of his science classes that his career began to take shape.
What next? For starters, acing his education, a tough task that was made considerably easier by David’s focus. He emerged top of his Nairobi Primary year eight class before he joined Strathmore School, where he continued to excel both in and out of the classroom. During this time he discovered a love for speed, identifying speedy motorcycles as “Hiyo ni yangu” among his peers and nurturing an interest in riding them. David began spending his weekends cruising on a friend’s bike in his spare time. School remained a top priority and he secured an A in his KCSE before joining the University of Nairobi’s School of Medicine.
After five intense years, David graduated from Medical School and was fit to climb the medical ladder. He completed his internship at Thika Level 5 Hospital in 2010 and went on to Muriranjas Hospital in Murang’a, where he led the first successful C-section in the hospital since 1932. Talk about breaking boundaries! He then proceeded to Master in General Surgery from Aga Khan University and is currently aiding Kenyans in Kapenguria, West Pokot county. When not in arid areas of Kenya saving lives, he’s in his medical clinic in Nairobi: based at Stratus Medical Imaging Solutions at Valley View Office Park, Parklands
Over time, David has been able to continuously improve his work ethic and implement his mantra derived from 1st Peter 4:10: “We are all Vessels in the Service of the Most High”. But as we know, all work and no play make Jack – or in this case, David – a dull man, so he makes time for his biking thrills.
In 2018, David was the Chair of The Superbike Association, (TSA), Board Member of Motorcycle Kenya (MK) and the Medical Commission of FIM-AFRICA. In the same year, he also volunteered as a medic for the Motocross that took place most weekends at the Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi. His medical knowledge has come in handy in the biking world, where he graciously offers medical assistance and consultation to any injuries on the racing circuits. Being Founder of the BladeDoc Network – an umbrella body that seeks to train, innovate and improve bikers’ safety, David has been able to inspire and encourage kids and adults through the pillars that guide him – God, family and passion.
Now, if you’re in the mood to get away from the everyday traffic and learn to ride, or better still need to hear a first-hand experience of the surgical ward, we trust David Karuri is the guy to go to.
