Before beloved media personalities found fame reading prime-time news, they worked different jobs - some of which were considered odd and far from the media.
Some have been open about their rags to riches story with the aim of encouraging upcoming journalists.
The jobs range from makeup artists, touts, painters, delivery boys, receptionists, and actors to police officers.
"I used to do makeup as a side hustle while working as a journalist in 2004. I was at weddings and other events and it got to a point my side hustle earned me more," veteran journalist Terryanne Chebet stated in 2020.
Recently, journalist Lindah Oguttu dismissed claims she worked as a construction worker as a side hustle.
However, the journalist explained that the important thing was to put food on the table and provide for the family while working towards the 'big break'.
Former NTV news anchor Mark Masai worked as a tout between 2002 and 2004 after finishing high school.
"I did a bit of it because it was a business for our family, I was one of the conductors. It was before Michuki (former Minister for Roads John Michuki) so we had a few conductors and my bro was the driver. It wasn’t fun but taught me good life lessons," the journalist stated.
Beloved Citizen TV anchor Lulu Hassan was once a receptionist for a Mombasa-based tech company before a call by a stranger changed her life.
“You know as a receptionist you are given newspapers to take to the boss. So in the evening when leaving the office, I would carry them home and I used to read to my mother who encouraged me," she stated.
Meanwhile, Inooro TV star anchor Ken Wakuraya was once a passionate thespian, playing the role of a teacher on Citizen TV's Tahidi High.
Wakuraya was a lover of country music and would often be outperforming or hosting gigs.
On the other hand, Eric Njoka delved where many fear. He worked as a morgue attendant at their family-owned funeral home.
“My dad trained me to be a mortician so to speak. His family objective was to make me work here and learn skills to start my hospital and mortuary in the future,” Njoka explained.
Citizen TV's Yvonne Okwara disclosed that her first job was as a waitress at a hotel in Nairobi where she earned Ksh150 daily.
"A smile goes a long way. Earned more in tips this way," she remarked.
