Kenyan nanny, Rose Atieno, affectionately known as Rosie, became an internet sensation after a heart-wrenching farewell with the four children she had cared for in the Middle East. The emotional moment at the airport, where both Rosie and the children appeared reluctant to part ways, captivated the public and caused a stir at the airport.
Upon her return to Kenya, Rosie received a generous gift from Pancras Karema, CEO of Maasai Expeditions: a fully paid holiday to a destination of her choosing.
In an interview, Rosie, a mother of three, opened up about the emotional reasons behind her departure from the Middle Eastern country. Hailing from Siaya County, Rosie had been separated from her own children for nearly two years, making her return to Kenya an overwhelming and bittersweet experience.
“I cried because I had mixed feelings—meeting my children after two years, and at the same time, leaving the kids I had cared for, who treated me like family,” she shared.
Rosie revealed that in 2021, she left Kenya in search of better opportunities after her marriage ended. She found work in Lebanon, where she hoped to secure a better future for her children.
“I went in October 2021 because my marriage wasn’t working. I decided to go and find greener pastures to provide my kids with a good life,” she explained.
While the stories of domestic worker mistreatment in Arab nations weighed on her mind, Rosie’s prayers for a kind family were answered when she met her employers. The family, who are prominent content creators in Lebanon, welcomed her warmly, and she quickly formed a close bond with them.
“The first time I met the family at the airport, the mother looked at me and said, ‘Wow.’ From that moment, we clicked,” she recalled.
Rosie described her experience with the family as fulfilling, saying she felt at home in their care. In turn, the children, who had filled the emotional gap left by her own kids, treated her with warmth and respect.
“Living with them was exciting. It felt like home, except they were paying me. The kids appreciated me for who I was,” she added.
Despite her emotional departure, Rosie has plans to return to Lebanon and continue working with the family once the children are older. However, she has not yet set a date for her return.
