Maryann Mwaura’s journey from being a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia to owning a multi-million mansion in her Kenyan village is a testament to unwavering resilience and determination.
For over a decade, Maryann worked with a single family in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Her tireless dedication not only helped her transform her life but also enabled her to achieve the dream of purchasing land and building a stunning home in Kiambaa, Kiambu County, where her story began.
Growing up in a humble family of eight children, Maryann was the third-born in a household that faced its share of financial struggles. She attended Kiambaa Primary School before moving on to Hidden Talent Academy in Dagoretti for her secondary education. However, due to financial constraints, she and her sisters were eventually forced to transfer to a local school.
High school was a challenging period for Maryann. In a candid interview with Lynn Ngugi, she shared her struggles with self-esteem, which led her to drop out twice. During this turbulent phase, she moved to Nairobi to live with a man but quickly realized the relationship wasn’t what she wanted for her life. With the support of her eldest sister, Maryann returned to school and successfully completed her education.
Even after finishing school, life threw more hurdles her way. She reunited with a boyfriend who abandoned her upon learning she was pregnant, leaving her to fend for herself. Later, she entered into a toxic and abusive marriage, which she ultimately left to protect herself and her son.
In 2014, Maryann made a bold decision to move to Saudi Arabia and work as a domestic worker. Despite widespread stories of mistreatment, she was determined to turn her fortunes around. After completing her training and signing a contract, she embarked on her new role with determination. Initially meant to share responsibilities with another helper, Maryann negotiated a higher salary and took on the tasks single-handedly, quickly proving her efficiency and reliability.
Her hard work earned her the trust and affection of her employers. “I found a mother in my boss because she made me feel at home, and we would always talk about anything,” Maryann revealed. Her employer even helped her open a bank account in Saudi Arabia, enabling her to save consistently for her ultimate goal: building a home in Kenya.
Years of disciplined saving bore fruit when Maryann purchased a piece of land. Though she initially faced setbacks with a real estate company, she persevered and eventually recovered her money. She then began constructing her dream house, which is now nearing completion—a remarkable symbol of her dedication and resilience.
Maryann’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, hard work, and the courage to overcome life’s challenges, dreams can become reality.
