In search of greener pastures, several people have found themselves in different fields before the ultimate breakthrough and thrust into the limelight.
For instance, some journalists followed the "Knock Until it Opens" adage and landed on screens across Kenya and beyond.
Unknown to many, a number of news anchors and reporters that follow up on daily events were once thespians, entertaining their fans on different stages.
Their inspiring journey serves as an encouragement to many who look up to them. Kenyans.co.ke compiled a list of journalists who doubled as actors.
Ken Wakuraya
Currently working with vernacular station Inooro TV under Royal Media Services, Wakuraya was a beloved actor in some popular local shows.
He played Teacher Kandi on Tahidi High, a show that aired on Citizen TV highlighting the lives of high school students.
On Inooro TV, the journalist hosts the 9 pm bulletin and a country-themed show. Wakuraya is also an event MC.
Janet Mbugua
The former Citizen TV and KTN news anchor played Pendo Odama on the sitcom-soap opera show Rush that premiered on Maisha Magic in 2014.
Mbugua left Citizen TV where she hosted alongside State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed in 2017.
She went on to establish Inua Dada an initiative that works to establish a global community that empowers, upholds the dignity, and protects the rights of every girl.
"I hold the firm belief that when everyone is included, everyone wins and this is the only way we can ensure that gender equity and economic empowerment programs continue being prioritized across the social and political spectrum," she noted on her website.
John Okumu Sibi
Okumu worked at KTN as a news anchor in the 90s before venturing into acting.
He is best known for his role in The Constant Gardener, Shake Hands With the Devil, The First Grader, Born Free, Transit, County 49, Crime and Justice, and The Wonderful Story of Aisha.
Notably, Crime and Justice which aired on Showmax was his first role on screen in eight years. The show featured various reputable actors in the country.
Ben Mutua Jonathan Muriithi
He is popularly known as BMJ Muriithi and is based in the US where he works with the Voice of America - VOA.
Muriithi was part of the Mt Kenya Theatrix, which sensitised the world to the dangers of HIV/AIDS through community theater.
His career spans over 20 years, he worked for KBC, Nation Media Group (NMG), and Standard Media Group.
Maya Hayakawa
The BBC senior presenter once played a role in New Beginnings as Julia from 2013 to 2016.
Hayakawa who has Japanese origin worked as a columnist for the People Daily between 2015 and 2018 before joining K24 as a business news anchor.
At BBC she was a business broadcast journalist before her promotion.
She describes herself as a TV presenter, storyteller, moderator, corporate MC, media, and PR consultancy.
"Passionate about business journalism and development," she added.
Makena Njeri
Njeri was part of Citizen TV's Tahidi High cast. She was featured in the daily life of high school students on the show.
She worked at BBC on the program 'What's New' that focused on inspiring the youth in Africa to reach for the stars.
However, she quit after three years. Currently, she is the founder of Bold Network Africa.
