Ken Ambani: I chose my children over marriage

They say that life imitates art, and nothing could be farther from the truth for Ken Ambani. He is always the on-screen heart throb but not quite off it. He is still going strong as an actor almost three decades since he made his debut on Tausi as the cunning and handsome Baraza. But who is Ken off the set?

Twenty five years after the show that propelled him to stardom aired, age has finally caught up with Ken. The smattering of hair on his head is living out its last days, but the beard is as full and perfectly trimmed as it was back then. The winning smile and smooth personality is also intact, and he is just as physically fit. While we all know him as an actor, very few know that he spends most of his days suited up as a marketing manager at Posta, or officially Postal Corporation of Kenya. And he seems to love it, judging from his grin as he explains how he started out as an accounts clerk. And today as I meet him, he is in his marketing element; in a light grey suit, behind a desk, a laptop in front of him and geeky glasses perched on his nose. “Can we get started?” he says, smiling widely at me.

SUNDAY: You just turned 49. What is the most important lesson you think life has taught you?