Photo: Courtesy
Nasibo Kabale’s journey is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.
Once a respected freelance journalist, Nasibo wrote extensively on health issues, with her work earning her a presidential award during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, her life is far from the success and recognition she once knew—she now struggles for survival on the streets of Kibera, homeless, jobless, and without a place to call home.
In a recent interview, Nasibo opened up about her remarkable yet painful journey. She began her career as an intern, earning a place in the media industry through sheer dedication and hard work. Nasibo’s talent and reliability quickly gained the trust of her boss, leading to her first job at Mediamax. There, she honed her craft and made a name for herself in journalism. After some time, she transitioned to Nation Media Group, one of Kenya’s largest media houses.
However, it was during her time at Standard Media that the cracks in her promising career began to show. While working there, Nasibo faced financial difficulties due to her low salary, which became more pressing when she became pregnant. With the added responsibility of caring for a child, she struggled to make ends meet. Eventually, Nasibo left Standard Media and rejoined Nation Media Group, hoping to find better opportunities.
Her personal life also faced significant challenges during this time. Nasibo’s child now lives with their father, a well-known journalist. Though she loves her child deeply, circumstances forced her to make tough decisions, leaving her without the daily presence of her child.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented difficulties for many, including Nasibo. Standard Media, like many other companies, was forced to lay off a large number of employees, leaving only five people, including Nasibo, to carry the burden of an ever-demanding workload. The intensity of the work, compounded by the isolation and fear brought by the pandemic, began to take a toll on her mental health. Nasibo covered difficult stories, many of which were emotionally draining, and the constant pressure slowly pushed her into depression.
As her mental health deteriorated, it became impossible for her to continue with her job. Eventually, Nasibo made the heartbreaking decision to quit journalism, leaving behind the career she had worked so hard to build.
Now, living on the streets, Nasibo faces daily struggles to survive. She has had to rely on odd jobs, such as collecting and selling scrap metal and working as a garbage collector, taking trash to dumpsites just to earn enough for food. The independence she once enjoyed as a journalist has been replaced by the uncertainty of living day-to-day, depending on the goodwill of others or the meager earnings from physically demanding work.
Despite her hardships, Nasibo remains hopeful for the future. When asked what she would do if given another chance, she shared her deep passion for writing. She expressed a strong desire to return to journalism, confident that her skills remain as sharp as ever. “I am good at writing,” she said, “and if given the opportunity, I would love to get back to doing what I love.”
Nasibo Kabale’s story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of success and the strength of the human spirit. Despite the odds, she holds onto hope and dreams of a day when she can once again wield her pen as a journalist. May God help her find the path back to where she belongs.
