Once upon a time, you could barely name five good Kenyan series worth watching. However, the Kenyan film industry is not what it used to be. Most new movies and series have deviated from the same old storylines to more diverse and interesting ones. They have enjoyable plots coupled with excellent casts that deliver captivating performances that have earned the admiration and praise of both local and international audiences.
So, if you’re bored and looking for something to watch, here are some great Kenyan series recommendations.
Njoro Wa Uba
This series captures the experiences that many Uber drivers are too familiar with. From clients with personal issues to ones who refuse to pay, Njoro has seen it all. It also shows the ugly side of trying to hustle in the concrete jungle of Nairobi. After losing his job, the single father is forced to find a new way to make a living which leads him to the Uber hustle. Though it mostly revolves around Njoro and his Uber business, each episode feels fresh and takes the audience through the experiences of other characters. The show has been running for eight seasons which are available to stream on Showmax. Watch a snippet.
The Real Housewives Of Nairobi
The Real Housewives Of Nairobi is a new series but it has already caused quite a stir. It’s part of the Real Housewives franchise which is a reality show that follows the lives of various influential and successful women in the city. This series follows the lives of Minne Kariuki, Sonal Maherali, Vera Sidika, Susan Kaitanny, and Lisa Christofferson as they showcase their affluent and glamorous lifestyle. The first season was a huge success as the cast kept us on the edge of our seats as we watched the drama among them unfold. Watch the trailer.
Pepeta
Based on a true story, Pepeta is a miniseries that captures the double life of Harun Wathari, popularly known as Rio, who was part of a notorious gang in Kibera made up of talented footballers. Many of the gang members play for a local football team but are forced to turn to crime to make a living. Their coach tries to get them scouted before the police get to the but many of them don’t make it out alive. Rio is one of the surviving members of the gang and plays a key role in the series as a researcher and narrator. The series boasts high-quality production and a great team of actors such as Machachari actor Malik Lemmy. Watch the trailer.
Igiza
Igiza is another crime drama involving identical twin sisters, Linda and Nicole, whose lives couldn’t be more different. While Nicole is in prison getting harassed by guards, Linda is running a successful business and living a lavish life with her rich husband. However, the tables turn after Nicole manages to escape from prison and switches lives with her sister. Serah Ndanu who plays Linda and Nicole, describes the role as an actor’s dream. She teams up with other veteran actors such as Blessing Lung’aho and Kevin Samuel who all deliver stellar performances. Watch the trailer.
County 49
When County 49 premiered, it broke the record for the most first-day views on Showmax in Kenya. It’s another must-watch Kenyan series that promises nothing but entertainment to keep you glued to the screen. The political thriller is set in a fictional county known as Bwatele where the new governor, Nerimah Mkung, is kidnapped by people who are frustrated by the government’s corrupt ways and want billions in ransom. One of the many delights of watching this series is its star-studded cast comprising Wakio Mzenge, Ainea Ojiambo, Martin Githinji, and Nyokabi Macharia among others. Watch the trailer.