Nana Owiti Says She Built First Mabati Rentals At 20: "I've Had Crazy Tenants"

• Journalist Nana Owiti was forced to step up and take care of her nine-year-old sister after they lost their parents
• The hardworking mother said she built her first rental houses made from mabatis when she was 20 to fend for her sibling
• At 24, Nana said she owned 13 rental houses as she encouraged Kenyans not to look down on themselves because of their age

King Kaka's lovely wife, Nana Owiti, has rolled back the curtains of memories, recalling her life after the demise of her parents.

The media personality shared a throwback photo recounting growing up without her parents.

Nana becomes mother after parents' death

In the throwback photo, she remembered being in her early 20s when she had to step up for her sister's sake.

Most of you don’t remember what you were doing at 22. I did not have that luxury. For me, every decision was calculated subconsciously sometimes. I became a parent in my teens by losing both our parents. Life didn’t give me time to prepare for what that looked like, nor did it hand me a manual.

My mother’s shoes had to be filled quickly! My nine-year-old sister had to have a ‘mother’ or something close to that," she explained.

The doting mum said she could "throw in the towel" after the loss and give up in life, but she did not.

Nana Owiti owning 13 rental houses

She argued she was still a child and would have used it as an excuse to give up and not step up to the responsibilities.

"Instead of the excuses, I found a reason to fight (if you know me, then you know I’m a fighter). You see those mabati houses right behind me in this picture? I built those! Not from anyone’s money but my grind’s! Most of those mabatis were from scrap (second-hand).

The first house, painted (I’ve always had crazy tenants!), was my first to build. It is my favourite because it unlocked something deeply in me. I was 20 when I had that constructed. By the time I was 24, I had 13 rental houses! I was a landlady," she pointed out.

Nana encouraged Kenyans not to limit themselves because of their age but be courageous and dare to step up.

Nana surprises aunt with title deed

In another story, Nana bought land for an aunt who raised her in a heart-moving video.

Proud mother Nana melted her aunt Nduku's heart as she emotionally reminded her of the sacrifices and tender love she showed her.

Nana almost broke down narrating their history before tearfully presenting an envelope to her aunt with a title deed.

In a long post, Nana expressed her deep and heartfelt gratitude to her selfless aunt Nduku.