The Kenyan film and television industry continues to rise in 2025, producing powerful stories, award-winning series, and actors who shine both locally and globally. From Nairobi’s sets to Hollywood’s biggest screens, Kenyan talent is taking over African entertainment.

Here is a complete and updated list of the top Kenyan actors and actresses in 2025, based on their recent work, influence, fanbase, and international presence.

Top 10 Kenyan Actors in 2025

1. Pascal Tokodi

• Profession: Actor, Musician

• Known For: Selina, Disconnect, Crime & Justice

• Why He’s Leading: In 2025, he starred in a Pan-African Netflix series and continues to dominate romantic and drama roles.

2. Nick Mutuma

• Profession: Actor, Producer, Director

• Popular Shows: This Is Life, Sincerely Daisy, Disconnect

• 2025 Update: Launched his own streaming platform focused on East African content and featured in two international film festivals.

3. Blessing Lung’aho

• Profession: Actor

• Known For: Maria, Zora

• Fan Love: Known for emotionally charged characters. He returned in 2025 with a new romantic drama series on Showmax.

4. Eddie Mbugua

• Profession: Actor, Theatre Director

• Buzz in 2025: Revived Kenyan stage theatre and featured in a docu-film that got nominated at the Durban Film Festival.

5. Peter Kawa

• Profession: Actor, Director

• Known For: Crime and Justice

• Current Projects: In 2025, he’s mentoring young talent and producing a short film series on social justice.

6. Ian Mbugua

• Profession: Actor, TV Judge

• Legacy: Known for talent shows and fatherly roles, he made a comeback in 2025 with a Netflix drama.

7. Raymond Ofula

• Profession: Veteran Actor

• Known For: Queen Sono, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

• 2025 Buzz: A respected face of authority in Pan-African cinema; featured in international documentaries and dramas.

8. Melvin Alusa

• Profession: Actor

• Notable Roles: Mission to Rescue, Crime & Justice

• Style: Strong, militant, or alpha-male roles.

9. Abel Mutua

• Profession: Actor, Writer, Producer

• Known For: Real Househelps of Kawangware

• Why He’s Relevant: In 2025, he shifted more into content creation and digital storytelling, gaining massive YouTube views.

10. Kenny DeForest

• Profession: Comedian, Actor

• Trending For: Comedy-drama web series and collaborations with Kenyan YouTubers and Netflix Kenya specials.

Top 10 Kenyan Actresses in 2025

1. Lupita Nyong’o

• Profession: Actress, Producer

• Global Fame: 12 Years a Slave, Black Panther, Us

• 2025 Highlights: Rumored to star in a major African superhero movie directed by an East African. Also mentoring female African filmmakers.

2. Sarah Hassan

• Profession: Actress, Producer

• Known For: Crime and Justice, Plan B, Just In Time

• Recent Work: Starred in a Netflix African original and was honored for her role in empowering young women in the industry.

3. Brenda Wairimu

• Profession: Actress

• Popular Shows: Selina, Disconnect

• Style: Known for modern, chic, and emotional characters. In 2025, she starred in an environmental-themed romantic drama.

4. Catherine Kamau (Kate Actress)

• Profession: Actress, Influencer

• Known For: Sue Na Jonnie, Plan B, Disconnect

• Why She’s Loved: Bold roles and online charisma. Featured in 2025 as the lead in a women-led crime thriller.

5. Neomi Ng’ang’a

• Profession: Actress, Fashion Designer

• Fan Base: Celebrated for body positivity and strong female roles. In 2025, launched a reality series focused on Nairobi’s urban women.

6. Jackie Matubia

• Profession: Actress

• Known For: Zora, Tahidi High

• Why She’s Trending: Co-produced a new family drama on Maisha Magic Plus that’s been getting great reviews.

7. Mbeki Mwalimu

• Profession: Actress

• Style: Stage and screen. Known for her calm, motherly roles and voice-over work.

8. Pierra Makena

• Profession: Actress, DJ

• Notable Work: When Love Comes Around

• 2025 Roles: Featured in an African music-based movie as both actress and official soundtrack DJ.

9. Nice Githinji

• Profession: Actress, Director

• Known For: Changing Times, Rafiki

• Current Work: Returned to directing and launched an acting academy for underprivileged youth.

10. Maureen Koech

• Profession: Actress, Singer

• Popular In: Lies that Bind

• 2025 Update: After years in music, she returned to the big screen with a supporting role in a high-budget Nollywood-Kenyan romance.

Where to Watch Kenyan Films and Series in 2025

• Netflix: Disconnect, Crime & Justice, Just In Time, Plan B

• Showmax: Selina, Zora, The Real Housewives of Nairobi

• Maisha Magic East: For local TV series

• YouTube: Abel Mutua, PhilIt TV, and Real Househelps of Kawangware

• Citizen TV, KTN, NTV: Local TV premieres

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is the most famous Kenyan actor in 2025?
Pascal Tokodi and Nick Mutuma are at the top, starring in leading roles across East Africa.

Q2: Who is the most popular Kenyan actress in 2025?
Lupita Nyong’o remains the most famous globally, while Sarah Hassan leads the local scene.

Q3: Are Kenyan films on Netflix?
Yes! Films like Disconnect, Sincerely Daisy, and Crime & Justice are available on Netflix and Showmax.

Q4: Who are the fast-rising stars in Kenya’s film industry?
Jackie Matubia, Blessing Lung’aho, and Maureen Koech are gaining serious attention in 2025.

Q5: Can Kenyan actors work in Nollywood or Hollywood?
Absolutely. Stars like Lupita Nyong’o and Brenda Wairimu have acted across borders. Crossovers are increasing yearly.

Final Thoughts

Kenya’s acting industry is booming with talent in 2025. From global names like Lupita Nyong’o to homegrown stars like Pascal Tokodi, the Kenyan screen is full of brilliance, passion, and East African pride.

Whether you're a film lover, a budding actor, or a cultural enthusiast, there's no better time to support and watch Kenyan entertainment.