We’ve had 2 long holidays almost back to back and I’m taking this opportunity to catch up on all the television I haven’t watched, including Kenyan TV shows.

One of the most exciting things about being a creative in Kenya is witnessing the incredible storytelling happening on screen. We’ve entered an era where Kenyan TV shows are bold, experimental, and brimming with personality.

From satire and sci-fi to gritty urban dramas, local series are showing us just how expansive our imaginations can be. Here are five Kenyan TV shows I’m currently loving.

1. The Chocolate Empire (Showmax)

A deliciously dramatic satire about a family navigating power plays, legacy, and betrayal. What I love about The Chocolate Empire is how it blends Kenyan soap opera flair with slick production. It’s messy, it’s stylish, and it’s oh-so-satisfying. Think Dynasty, but dusted with Kenyan spice.

2. Subterranea (Showmax)

This show is a breath of fresh, experimental air. A dystopian sci-fi thriller set in a Nairobi of the future, Subterranea follows a group of people trapped in a facility controlled by surveillance and corporate tyranny. It’s ambitious, strange, and totally captivating. I’m obsessed with the world-building. It’s rare and refreshing to see Kenyan storytelling lean into speculative fiction like this.

3. Kash Money (Netflix)

A gripping six-part drama that delves into the lives of the powerful Njenga family. Following the mysterious death of patriarch Joe Njenga, secrets unravel, revealing a web of betrayal, greed, and hidden motives. With standout performances from Sanaipei Tande and John Sibi-Okumu, Kash Money offers a thrilling exploration of family dynamics and power struggles.

4. Mo-Faya (Netflix)

A seven-part series that follows Zawadie, who, after uncovering startling family secrets, embarks on a fresh start with her boyfriend, Brian. However, Brian’s secret double life pulls her into a world of crime and deception, setting the stage for a riveting narrative. Created and directed by Reuben Odanga, Mo-Faya is a compelling blend of drama and telenovela, primarily set in Nairobi with glimpses of Western Kenya.

5. Jiji (Showmax)

This show is a slow burn in the best way. Jiji explores Nairobi as more than a backdrop, but as a character. The series weaves multiple storylines of young adults navigating life in the city: love, class, ambition. It’s subtle, smart, and layered.

There’s something deeply affirming about seeing stories that reflect your world, and even more so when they challenge you to see that world differently. These shows are not just great Kenyan TV; they’re great TV, period. I’m so excited for what’s ahead for local screen culture.

mwendeFilmChocolate Empire,Jiji,Kash Money,Kenyan TV shows,Mo-Faya,Netflix,Showmax,Subterranea
We've had 2 long holidays almost back to back and I'm taking this opportunity to catch up on all the television I haven't watched, including Kenyan TV shows. One of the most exciting things about being a creative in Kenya is witnessing the incredible storytelling happening on screen. We’ve entered...