An actor, a singer, a princess – these are some of the most common answers to the quintessential childhood question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Many children fantasize about life in the spotlight, but few ever manage to achieve it. Twelve-year-old Sia Were is a Nairobi native and television co-host who is making her centre-stage dreams come true. She spills the beans on life as a child-star and how she achieves work-life balance.   

ChildStar.MP3

Washingtone, Godwin and Chrispine work in ‘slum promotion.’ It’s all-encompassing term, they say, for the work they do as tour guides and fixers in Kibera, where they were born and raised. They often come under fire for bringing foreigners into the ghetto, but believe their intentions are misunderstood by many members of their community. In this exclusive interview, the three young men tell me why they do what they do and how they navigate the murky ethical waters that come with the controversial job. 

Slum Tourism: A black eye that's worth the punch

Canadian journalist with diverse experience print, radio and TV reporting. Currently lives and works in Nairobi, Kenya and eats way too much chapati on the job. 

Elizabeth McSheffrey