Kenya’s entertainment industry continues to evolve and compete globally earning several producers and actors opportunities to work with one of the leading streaming platforms in the world, Netflix.
Over the years, several Kenyan projects have featured on the global acclaimed platform, showcasing the diverse talent that exists in the minds and hands of empowered local creatives.
In this article, WoK ranks the top 10 Kenyan movies on Netflix.
- Nairobi Half Life
Nairobi Half Life is a 2012 Kenyan drama film directed by David “Tosh” Gitonga. It is arguably among Kenya’s legendary films.
It has bagged numerous awards and recognitions both locally and globally. The film was selected as the Kenyan entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards, but did not make the final shortlist.
The film centers around a young man who leaves his rural home for the city in search of a better life in the city. Struggles lead him into a life of crime.
2. Lusala
The family drama film revolves around the life of a young man Lusala who was adopted into a wealthy home but struggles with incidents from his past that prevent him from leading a normal life.
The film was produced by Mugambi Nthiga and features award-winning actor Brian Ogola.
Lusala has won 1 award and 6 nominations since it premiered in 2019.
3. Poacher
The 2018 film features the story of a Kenyan farmer who runs into trouble with international terrorists for stealing a stash of blood ivory.
The film was produced by Tom Whitworth and aimed at sensitizing communities on the virtues of wildlife conservation.
Brian Ogola plays the farmer in the film.
4. Sincerely Daisy
Sincerely Daisy highlights the life of a teenage girl mitigating struggles in her friendship circle and at home as her future hangs in the balance.
The film was directed by Nick Mutuma.
5. Disconnect
The 2018 drama film features some of Kenya’s A List actors including Brian Ogola, Nick Mutuma, Pascal Tokodi, Brenda Wairimu, and Catherine Kamau, among others.
The film showcases the challenges of the Nairobi dating scene as a group of friends look to find love.
It is a Tosh Gitonga film.
6. Nafsi
When Aisha (Mumbi) is unable to conceive after a traumatic childhood experience, her best friend Shiko (Kate) offers to be her surrogate to help save her marriage, leading to a series of events that threaten their close bond and those around them.
The film is produced by Reuben Odanga and features actor Catherine Kamau and Mumbi Maina among others.
7. Country Queen
When an invasive mining company threatens the existence of her village, a city girl caught between two worlds must return home, overcome her painful past to save the village and find herself in the process.
The 2022 TV Series features some of Kenya’s elite actors including Blessing Lung’aho, Melissa Kiplagat, Melvin Alusa, and Nini Wacera, among others.
8. Nairobby
After successfully pulling off a heist, six university students live a life on the run as jealousy and greed put their friendships to the test
The film is produced by Jennifer Gatero. She also featured in the film.
9. 40 Sticks
The 2021 action-thriller movie revolves around the story of a group of death row prisoners trapped in a prison bus that crashes, and their struggle to survive. Their misery is worsened by wild animals in the forest and a mysterious killer that lurks in the shadows. The story ends with all the prisoners mysteriously killed.
The story was created by Frank G. Maina, and written together with Voline Ogutu, and directed by Victor Gatonye
10. Morning After
The short film featured young talents Charlie Karumi, and Foi Wambui and highlighted the risky party and dating life in Nairobi.
