Best Kenyan drama movies
A curated collection of popular drama movies from Kenya.
Rafiki (2018)
Rafiki (2018)
Kena and Ziki long for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls resist and remain close friends, supporting each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, the two girls will be forced to choose between happiness and safety.
The First Grader (2010)
The First Grader (2010)
The true story of an 84 year-old Kenyan villager and ex Mau Mau freedom fighter who fights for his right to go to school for the first time to get the education he could never afford.
Nairobi Half Life (2012)
Nairobi Half Life (2012)
Mwas, a young aspiring actor from upcountry Kenya dreams of becoming an accomplished actor one day, and in pursuit of this, he makes his way to Nairobi, the city of opportunity. He quickly understands why Nairobi is nicknamed Nairrobery as he is bereaved of all his money and belongings and left alone in a city where he doesn’t know a soul. Luck or the lack of it brings Mwas face to face with the city’s criminals and forms a friendship with a small time crook who takes him in. He is quickly drawn into a world of crime as he struggles to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. Keeping the two worlds separate proves to be a challenge for Mwas as he steps into this unknown world called Nairobi.
Nawi (2024)
Nawi (2024)
Nawi is a Kenyan film that explores the intricate themes of love, identity, and cultural heritage, set against the vibrant backdrop of modern-day Kenya. The narrative centers on a young woman who is caught between the traditions of her upbringing and the pressures of contemporary life. As she confronts the weight of familial expectations and the pull of her own dreams, she embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Christmas Love (2021)
Christmas Love (2021)
A father struggling to balance career and family gets unexpected help and must make a hard choice as he learns the value of presence over presents.
Soul Boy (2010)
Soul Boy (2010)
Abila (14) lives in one of the most miserable slums in Africa. His girlfriend Shiku belongs to a different tribe, as the result of which he is not really allowed to fraternize with her. And then one drunken night his father gambles away his own soul.
Subira (2019)
Subira (2019)
Subira, is a young, free-spirited girl from the rural areas of Kenya. She seems to have her whole life ahead of her, that is, until the death of her loving and encouraging father. Life hits her hard afterwards, with traditional submissive expectations preventing her from leading the life she desires.
Invisible Flame (2025)
Invisible Flame (2025)
When fish begin to vanish, community members are quick to blame Dani, the elderly woman rumoured to be a witch. Daisy, a fisherman’s daughter, must decide whether to stand by her friend or heed the warnings of those around her.
Saikati The Enkabaani (1998)
Saikati The Enkabaani (1998)
This is the dramatic story of a young village girl who goes beyond traditional, rigid cultural barriers to become a flying doctor. Saikati is representative of girls all over Africa struggling to make their dreams a reality in cultures caught between traditional laws and modern influences. It's also a story of love, drama and friendship as Saikati also makes the difficult transition from girl to woman.
Ayaanle (2022)
Ayaanle (2022)
The story of a 21-year-old Somali boy named Ayaanle living in Nairobi who aspires to become a world-famous actor. His life is turned upside down after a series of unlikely and unfortunate events force him to defy the odds for his survival.