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Nyokabi Macharia

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki


Nyokabi Macharia
BornNakuru, Kenya
🏫 Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
  • Master of Arts in Musical Theatre
🎓 Alma mater
💼 Occupation
  • Actress
  • Director
  • Producer
📆 Years active  2014–present
Known for
Notable work
  • These Are Moments to Die For
  • A Book and Its Cover

Nyokabi Macharia is a Kenyan actress, director and producer. She is known for her work across theatre, film and television, with leading roles in productions such as Country Queen, County 49 and the award-winning film Chaguo. In 2022, she won the Kalasha Award for Best Lead Actress in a Film for her performance in Chaguo.[1][2]

Macharia is considered part of a new generation of Kenyan performers contributing to the international visibility of the country’s film and television industry, particularly through productions distributed on global streaming platforms.[3]

Early life and education

Macharia was born and raised in Nakuru, Kenya. She attended Carol Academy for her primary education and Moi Forces Academy, Lanet, for her secondary education.[3] During her school years, she actively participated in the Kenya National Drama Festivals, where she developed an early interest in performance and storytelling.[4]

She later enrolled at Daystar University, graduating with a bachelor of arts in public relations. While at university, she became deeply involved in theatre and performance, which solidified her decision to pursue acting professionally.[5]

In 2019, she moved to London to further her training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where she earned a master of arts in acting (musical theatre). Her formal training contributed to her versatility as a performer across stage and screen.[4][5]

Career

Theatre

Macharia began her professional theatre career in Nairobi following her university studies. In 2017, she portrayed Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Kenya National Theatre, a role that showcased her musical theatre training and stage presence.[3]

In 2018, she joined the cast of Too Early for Birds: Brazen Edition, a production focused on the stories of influential women in Kenyan history.[6] The performance was part of a widely recognized Kenyan theatre series known for blending history and performance.[7][8]

She also performed in the international production Tinga Tinga the Musical, where she played the role of Giraffe.[9] The show toured internationally, including performances at the New Victory Theater in New York City,[10] marking her entry into global stage productions.[11]

Macharia was also part of the cast of Too Early for Birds: Tom Mboya Edition, a stage production in the long-running Kenyan theatre series Too Early for Birds, which focuses on retelling lesser-known stories from Kenyan history.[12] The production explored the life and legacy of Kenyan politician Tom Mboya, situating his story within both historical and contemporary socio-political contexts.[13]

In 2025, Macharia marked a decade in the performing arts with her one-woman show Index One, directed by Nice Githinji.[14] The production was based on her personal journals and explored themes of identity, growth and artistic evolution, receiving attention for its autobiographical and introspective approach.[15] Macharia’s performance was noted for its versatility, as she took on multiple roles within the ensemble cast, requiring shifts in character, tone and physicality throughout the production.[16]

Television and film

Macharia made her television breakthrough in 2019 with a leading role in the Kenyan drama series MaEmpress.[17][18] She later appeared in Crime and Justice, a Showmax legal drama, further establishing her presence in television.[3][19]

In 2022, she gained international recognition for her role in Country Queen, Kenya’s first Netflix original series.[20][21] Her performance contributed to the global visibility of Kenyan storytelling and marked a milestone in the country’s television industry.[22] That same year, she starred in the Showmax political drama County 49, where she portrayed Debrah Maka, the chief of staff to a county governor.[19] The role highlighted themes of governance, power and political dynamics in Kenya.[23]

Her performance as Rose in the film Chaguo (2022) earned her the Kalasha Award for Best Lead Actress in a Film.[24] The role was widely regarded as a defining moment in her career, demonstrating her ability to carry a feature film as a lead performer.[3]

In 2024, she starred in the comedy film Sketchy Africans (also known as Sketchy AF!), directed by Vincent Mbaya.[25] For the role of Miriam, she shaved her head, reflecting a commitment to character transformation. The performance earned her a nomination for Best Lead Actress at the 2026 Kalasha Awards.[26][27]

Filmography

Television and film

Year Title Role Format Notes Ref
2019 MaEmpress Zawadi TV Series Main role [17][18]
2021 A Grand Little Lie Feature Film [28]
2022 Selina TV Series Guest appearance
2022 Crime and Justice TV Series Showmax original; 2 episodes [3][19]
2022 Country Queen Ivy TV Series Netflix series; 5 episodes [22][20][21]
2022 County 49 Debrah Maka TV Series Showmax original; 13 episodes [19][23]
2022 Chaguo Wendo Feature Film Lead role [24]
2022 Kaz Agent Ruth TV Movie
2022 Unspoken Short Film [29]
2023 Big Mouth (voice) TV Series 1 episode [30][11]
2023 Mono Feature Film [31][32]
2023 These Are Moments to Die For Kui Waigwa Short Film
2023 Twende Binti (voice) TV Series 1 episode [33]
2024 Nawi: Dear Future Me Madam Christine Feature Film [34]
2024 Sketchy Africans Miriam Feature Film [27][25]
2024 Kienyeji Cynthia Feature Film

Theatre

Year Production Role Venue/Notes Ref.
2017 Jesus Christ Superstar Mary Magdalene Kenya National Theatre [3]
2018 Too Early for Birds: Brazen Edition Ensemble Kenyan historical theatre production [7][8]
2018 Tinga Tinga the Musical Giraffe International tour; New Victory Theater, New York City [9][11]
2022 The Manic Monologues Ensemble Kenyan premiere
2024 Too Early for Birds: Tom Mboya Edition Ensemble Kenyan historical theatre production [12][13]
2025 Index One Solo performer One-woman show; directed by Nice Githinji [14][15]

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2022 Kalasha Awards Best Lead Actress in a Film Chaguo Won [3][24]
2026 Kalasha Awards Best Lead Actress in a Film Sketchy Africans Nominated [26][27]

References

  1. ↑ Kinyanjui, Derrick (2022-11-10). "NOMINEES KALASHA AWARDS 2022 - SanaaPost Talents". Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  2. ↑ Ajon, Brian (2022-12-05). "Njoro wa Uba, Wahu and Sanaipei Top List of Winners at Kalasha Awards on Colourful Night - Tuko.co.ke". www.tuko.co.ke. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Standard Entertainment. "Nyokabi Macharia: How I found my voice in acting". The Standard. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Mirichii, Sakina (2021-05-09). "Nyokabi Macharia: Marching to the Beat of Her Own Drum". The Theatre Times. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Nyokabi Macharia: Last year I was so broke that I questioned my choices". Daily Nation. 2025-09-12. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  6. ↑ "Take 5 with Nyokabi Macharia". Daily Nation. 2020-07-05. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Mirichii, Sakina (2021-03-12). "Nyokabi Macharia: Marching to the Beat of Her Own Drum". The African Theatre Magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Brazen women speak on 9-month Kenyan heroines drama - Business Daily". www.businessdailyafrica.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Month-long musical strikes the right chord with theatre lovers - Business Daily". www.businessdailyafrica.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  10. ↑ Musbach, Julie. "New Victory's TINGA TINGA TALES: THE MUSICAL Begins October 13, 2018". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Kanja, Kirsten. "Women making big moves in the film industry". Evewoman Magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Digital, K. B. C. (2024-11-12). "Too Early For Birds – Tom Mboya Edition Returns". KBC Digital. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Ogwa, Tonny (2025-06-24). "Review: Too Early for Birds' ‘Badassery’ Reckons With the Deep Colonial Roots of Kenya's Police Violence". Sinema Focus. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Mithika, Boniface. "Actress Nyokabi Macharia to stage theatrical concert "Index One" in Nairobi". www.tnx.africa. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Index One: Nyokabi Macharia's Raw Journey". SanaaPost News. 2025-05-30. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  16. ↑ Ochieng', Jennifer (2025-12-01). "EXCLUSIVE: Chimano, Ywaya Tajiri, Tuku Kantu and Ziya Africa To Act Alongside Nyokabi Macharia in the Return of 'Index One&#82". Sinema Focus. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Ma'Empress season finale news Archives". Ghafla! Kenya. 2020-03-26. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Mwangi, Nick (2020-03-26). "Kate Actress Says Goodbye to 'Ma'Empress' As Show Takes a Bow". Nairobi Wire. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 Margaret, Nyambura (2022-08-04). "NEW TV SERIES COUNTY 49 FEATURING WAKIO MZENGE, NYOKABI MACHARIA & MAQBUL MOHAMMED SET TO PREMIERE". Buzz Central. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Kimeu, Caroline (2022-07-15). "Country Queen: first Netflix series to be produced in Kenya hits the screen". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "'Country Queen' - Kenya's first hit Netflix series". Deutsche Welle. 2022-09-15. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "SHE MEANS BUSINESS | From acting in Country Queen to tough money lessons in production - Nyokabi Macharia". Citizen Digital. 2025-12-10. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Sauce, The (2022-08-24). "Showmax Launches Timely Political Thriller Series 'County 49'". The Sauce. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Boyo, Cheptoek (2022-11-10). "FULL NOMINEES LIST: KALASHA AWARDS ADD 9 NEW CATEGORIES FOR 2022". Buzz Central. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Muendo, Stevens. "Nyokabi Macharia features in new Vincent Mbaya's Sketchy Africans". Evewoman Magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Kalasha Awards unveil this year's nominees". KBC. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 Ntoyai, Manuel. "Full list: Big names, upcoming stars nominated for 14th Kalasha Awards". www.tnx.africa. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  28. ↑ Koech, Kevin (2021-10-08). "GRAND LITTLE LIE: ABEL MUTUA & PHILIP KARANJA TAKE TO THE STREETS TO MARKET THEIR NEW FILM". Buzz Central. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  29. ↑ Writer, Staff (2023-08-24). "All the Films to See At 2023 Manyatta Screenings, From Mbithi Masya’s ‘Baba’ to Mo Harawe’s ‘Life". Sinema Focus. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  30. ↑ "Actresses Nyokabi Macharia and Nice Githinji featured in new Netflix show as Kenyans rant about 'Kenyanese'". Citizen Digital. 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  31. ↑ "Kenyan Film 'Mono' to Premier at Anga Cinemax Diamond Plaza". Citizen Digital. 2023-11-30. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  32. ↑ Kariuki, Kelvin (2023-12-09). "‘Mono’ Review: A Time Capsule into the Hell That Was Form One". Sinema Focus. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  33. ↑ "Nyokabi Macharia Archives". Buzz Central. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  34. ↑ Ochieng', Jennifer (2026-03-25). "Kalasha Awards 2026: ‘Nawi’ Leads Overall with 15 Nominations as 'Kash Money', 'MTV Shuga Mashariki' and &#8". Sinema Focus. Retrieved 2026-03-28.



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