
The Real Housewives of Nairobi S2: Meet Farah Esmail
Farah Esmail, one of the new faces in The Real Housewives of Nairobi S2, which premieres on Showmax on 10 May, describes herself as a body-building queen and a pioneer. In fact, when she started her body-building journey 10 years ago, she was probably one of only two women in the country doing the sport.
“It’s grown to about twenty women now,” Farah says. I’m probably the only person in Kenya who’s won the national championship - Miss Kenya Bikini Fitness - three times in a row. Now, I compete internationally. I’m also a judge for local body-building shows, and I’m really looking forward to growing the sport in the country.”
Watch Farah’s intro video here
She’s also an impact entrepreneur and a corporate lawyer, where she’s been advising at a senior leadership level for more than 15 years.
In the interview below, Farah shares more about joining The Real Housewives of Nairobi S2 and what to expect from her.
Why did you want to join The Real Housewives of Nairobi?
I wanted to show that in Nairobi, and in Kenya, there are many different types of women. I’m an alternate to the regular lifestyle. I’m self-built, and I have multiple layers. I’m a corporate lawyer and an entrepreneur, but I’m also a competitive body-building athlete, and I really want to show that lifestyle. I believe my purpose is to shine and inspire, and The Real Housewives of Nairobi is a platform for me to do it.
You describe yourself as a body-building queen. Tell us more about that.
I am a pioneer in women’s body-building in Kenya. I started very early on, when there weren’t many women competing in the sport, and for me, it’s actually about fixing crowns, bringing people up and bringing other women along. I’m always the one resolving all the disputes; you’ll see that in the show. I’m Switzerland!
Being a peacemaker - is this because of your background in advocacy?
It’s a very natural aspect of my personality. As a lawyer, and even from my university days, I’ve handled dispute resolution. My birth sign is Taurus, but I’m actually a rising Libra, and Libras are about balance and justice. So, it’s part of my training as a lawyer and my personality. You’ll see on the show that I’m always all about collaboration and not breaking people down, and that’s what I believe in.
How was the whole experience filming the show?
It was an excellent opportunity for growth that allowed me to step outside my comfort zone. I think this idea of putting a group of women together and seeing how they hash it out when it wouldn’t probably be a natural place for all to be together is quite interesting. It was also interesting to learn about myself, how I operate in conflicts, and what I do when glasses are thrown at me.
How was it interacting with the other Housewives?
I come from a very male-dominated work environment because of my background as a corporate lawyer and also working in security. The dynamics are very different when you are with a group of women. Like any relationship, over time, it grows, and I must say, when we got to spend more time with each other, especially on vacation, I actually missed the ladies by the time we were coming home. When you build relationships, you get to know people, understand them, like them, and enjoy spending time with them.
Did you watch The Real Housewives of Nairobi S1, and what did you think of it?
I actually appeared in episode 1 of Season 1, so I watched it, of course. I think it’s important for us in Kenya to showcase Kenya, and what I really liked about it is that we made it on Showmax. I was excited to see the places I go to on screen. I know three of the Housewives from Season 1 quite well, and it was nice to see them and their interactions on screen. The production was great, and it did what the show needed to do – we got some drama. No glasses were flying, but there’s always Season 2.
The Real Housewives of Nairobi S2 premieres on Showmax on 10 May, with new episodes every Friday.
More like this
Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless, his career, and the evolution of Kenyan film
Kenyan screen legend Godfrey Odhiambo talks about his role as Edward, the patriarch of the Sonoko family on Showmax Original crime drama Reckless.

Love Island Games S1-2
Former Islanders from across the globe return to Fiji for a chance at finding love and bagging $100 000.

Thelma (2024)
Scammers meet their match in Thelma, played by June Squibb: after getting duped, the 93-year-old sets out to reclaim what was taken from her.

Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love (2023)
Filmed in Boston, Emmy-winning comedian Sarah Silverman returns with her second comedy special for HBO since 2013.

Minne Kariuki on Single Kiasi, motherhood and being a “gold digger”
New mom Minne Kariuki is back for Single Kiasi S4! Catch new episodes of the fan-favourite drama on Showmax every Wednesday.

Chicago PD S12
Action-packed spin-off of the Chicago series, following two different units at the Chicago police department: uniformed cops and the Intelligence Unit.

Single Kiasi S1-4
Sintamei, Mariah and Rebecca are three close friends living in Nairobi, each with their own troubles. Stream new episodes only on Showmax.

Stream the biggest 2025 Emmy winners on Showmax
The Pitt, Hacks and Somebody Somewhere are among the stand-outs of the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards - all available to stream on Showmax.
RHONairobi S2: Your favourite queens plus 3 new faces
Binge RHONairobi S1
More Showmax Originals you'll love

Iyanu: The Age of Wonders (2025)
When Meje, the living embodiment of the seven deadly sins, threatens the land, young warriors Dara and Ishe must prevent an age of darkness.
Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless, his career, and the evolution of Kenyan film
Kenyan screen legend Godfrey Odhiambo talks about his role as Edward, the patriarch of the Sonoko family on Showmax Original crime drama Reckless.

Minne Kariuki on Single Kiasi, motherhood and being a “gold digger”
New mom Minne Kariuki is back for Single Kiasi S4! Catch new episodes of the fan-favourite drama on Showmax every Wednesday.

Single Kiasi S1-4
Sintamei, Mariah and Rebecca are three close friends living in Nairobi, each with their own troubles. Stream new episodes only on Showmax.
Latest Stories

The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade

Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue

Showmax presents September 5: A riveting look at a pivotal moment in news history

From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham

Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running

Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in September 2025

Alexander Isak a great option for LFC's attack, say former Liverpool striker David Ngog

Kate and Annie take charge in Ten Pound Poms Season 2

First look: Single Kiasi returns for Season 4

Radio queen Cess Mutungi to host The Mommy Club NBO reunion

Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final

Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax

5 patients you’ll meet in The Pitt Season 1
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Ilana Glazer delivers in Babes

5 new reality shows on Showmax in August

The Big 6ix on new Premier League season and their SA adventure

Will anyone stop the champs? Booth on Downs' quest for a 9th title

The curtain rises: Wembley Showdown - LFC vs Crystal Palace

Showmax Premier League weekly watchlist: 23-29 September 2025

Showmax PL kicks off football fiesta with MTN8 quarter-finals