The best Kenyan TV shows of the decade

This is the decade that ushered in Kenya’s first entry to the Oscars (and the others that followed), gave rise to bold filmmakers who ruffled feathers, and ambitious storytellers who made award-winning TV shows and movies that captured the hearts of audiences and critics. And as we come to the end of this decade, we’ve compiled some great Kenyan titles that have shaped the industry in the last 10 years, all available to stream on Showmax.

Selina

Garnering a following never seen before for a local show, Selina became the must-watch show for every Kenyan when it premiered in 2018.

Selina, which was adapted from the original story written by Bollywood’s Vivek Bahl, follows the tortuous love story between Selina (Celestine Gachuhi), a once-naïve-girl from the village now turned remarkable fashion designer, and the rich Nelson (Pascal) and the challenges they have to go through – including a possessive, manipulative cousin and an obsessive, deranged love interest – to fight for their love. Binge-watch Selina on Showmax.

Accolades:

• Kalasha Awards 2018 – Best TV Drama
• Kalasha Awards 2019 – Best TV Drama, Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama

Sue na Jonnie

If 2019 was Selina’s year, then 2017 belonged to Sue na Jonnie, the comedy-drama series that starred Catherine Kamau and Martin Githinji in the titular roles of Sue and Jonnie respectively, a fake couple who take up new identities when an opportunity to make money opens up.

A show that captured Kenya’s street humour at its finest, Sue na Jonnie was an instant hit with fans and later dominated the Kalasha Awards in 2017 by scooping all the silver it had been nominated for, coming only second to Mbithi Masya’s Kati Kati. Start binge-watching.

Accolades:

• Kalasha Awards 2017 – Best TV Drama, Best Lead Actor in a Drama (Martin Githinji) and Best Lead Actress in a Drama (Catherine Kamau)

Kona

An M-Net original telenovela helmed by Appie Matere (Jela 5-Star) and her Zamaradi Productions, Kona was the show to watch back in 2013. Kona follows the Oyange family and the everyday struggles and challenges they face as they try to keep afloat after the death of the family patriarch whose legacy (a boxing gym) they must preserve and protect even from the greed that threatens it. Kona features the indomitable Nini Wacera, Fareed Khimani and Brenda Wairimu (Monica). Start watching.