Have you ever watched a film that made you feel the heartbeat of Nairobi itself?
In the city’s bustling streets and beyond, a creative revolution is taking shape. Bus 338 isn’t just another movie. It’s a gripping survival thriller redefining what Kenyan storytelling can be.
Directed by Isaya Evans and produced by Serah Ndanu under her newly launched SNT Productions. The film boldly breaks away from the usual tropes, diving into the raw pulse of urban life.
As a new wave of filmmakers pushes boundaries, Bus 338 shines as a symbol of innovation, blending authenticity and global appeal.
The Gripping Plot of the Story
What happens when an ordinary bus ride turns into a fight for survival?
At its heart, Bus 338 mirrors real Kenyan experiences. The story begins on a long-distance bus journey.
Everything seems normal, until chaos erupts.
A deadly virus breaks out on board. The passengers find themselves trapped in the middle of nowhere.
Fear, secrets, and survival instincts collide as everyday people face the unthinkable.
The film’s emotional depth comes from a deeply personal place.
It was inspired by Serah Ndanu’s own mental health struggles during the COVID-19 lockdown in London.
Through this lens, Bus 338 asks a powerful question. How do we hold on to our humanity when the world falls apart?
Every scene honors ordinary Kenyans, essential workers, families juggling financial strain, and those silently battling mental health challenges.
It also celebrates individuals trying to stay hopeful in difficult times.
Filmed across Kenya’s rugged landscapes, Bus 338 blends English, Swahili, and Sheng.
It captures the true pulse of Nairobi, raw, multilingual, and full of life. It’s a story that feels local yet speaks to the world, just like Kenya itself.
Behind the Scenes: The Production Team
What does it take to bring a dream to life when the odds and the budget are stacked against you?
Bus 338 is the heartbeat of determination, creativity, and faith. It’s the first feature film from SNT Productions, founded by actress and producer Serah Ndanu.
She spent five years preparing for this moment.
Known for her standout roles in Sumu la Penzi and Igiza, Ndanu took a huge leap of faith.
She self-funded the project — a true labor of love, not a chase for profit.
“I can’t say it was a million-dollar project,” she admitted with honesty and pride.
“But it cost me a chunk of money I might never make back.”
The story was crafted by Tanzanian filmmaker Angela Ruhinda (Binti, Big Girl Small World).
She worked closely with Serah Ndanu through multiple rewrites to shape the film’s emotional core.
Director Isaya Evans, who had previously collaborated with Ndanu on Igiza, joined the project.
He brought his sharp cinematic eye, infusing the film with raw realism and genuine heart.
The Casts
The cast is a powerhouse lineup.
Bilal Mwaura (40 Sticks).
Robert Agengo (Country Queen).
Pascal Tokodi (Makosa ni Yangu).
And Godfrey Odhiambo (Crime and Justice).
Serah Ndanu also takes on the role of Mwende, a compassionate medical practitioner inspired by her own sister.
Each actor was chosen not for fame, but for authenticity.
They share one goal — to tell Kenyan stories that feel raw, real, and deeply relatable.
At its heart, Bus 338 is a celebration of women leading from the front.
Ndanu’s voice rings clear.
“I honestly can’t wait for the day women will be celebrated for their accomplishments.
Without being asked ‘how.’
Or ‘who did it for you.’”
This production doesn’t just make a film, it makes a statement: Kenyan women are not waiting for permission to create. They’re doing it their way, boldly, beautifully, and unapologetically.
Kenyan Cinema Is Evolving
What happens when Kenyan filmmakers stop playing it safe and start redefining what our stories can be?
Bus 338 dares to answer that question. What makes it stand out and firmly positions it at the heart of Kenya’s cinematic future is its fearless dive into genre filmmaking.
For years, local films have often leaned toward dramas and comedies, but Serah Ndanu is determined to break that pattern. “Kenya doesn’t have to be boxed into one type of storytelling. I want to expand what people imagine when they think of Kenyan cinema,” she says with conviction.
Thrillers like Bus 338 speak a universal language, fear, hope, and survival, while remaining deeply grounded in urban Kenyan life. The film tackles themes every Nairobian can recognize: the chaos of public transport, the tension of social divides, and the lingering fear of pandemics.
Joining trailblazers like Likarion Wainaina (Subterranea), Judy Kibinge (Goat), and Damien Hauser (Memory of Princess Mumbi), Bus 338 represents a new generation unafraid to experiment and elevate. Set against the rhythm of Nairobi, it captures the everyday, strangers packed into buses, city hustles colliding, and resilience shining through crisis. Its use of Sheng, the heartbeat of Nairobi’s youth, makes the film feel unmistakably authentic, a voice that’s vibrant, raw, and proudly Kenyan.
Ndanu’s vision is crystal clear: “We’re not here to make small African films. We’re here to create cinema that competes globally.” This shift toward daring, emotionally charged, and world-class storytelling signals a new dawn, one where Kenyan cinema doesn’t just tell stories for Kenya, but for the world.
Kenyan Stories, Global Stage — The World Is Ready.
Can a film born in Nairobi captivate audiences from London to Los Angeles? Bus 338 is about to find out.
The 90-minute thriller is set to premiere in Kenya in 2025.
Local audiences will get to experience it first, just as it was meant to be seen — on the big screen.
Soon after, the film will travel to London for its international debut on October 19, 2025.
There, it will reach the vibrant African diaspora eager to celebrate homegrown stories.
“London will be one of our key markets. Both a celebration space and a launchpad for wider international visibility,” says Ndanu.
As Ndanu puts it, “Kenyan and African cinema is at a tipping point. The world is hungry for authentic stories from our continent.”
And with Bus 338, Kenya isn’t just stepping onto the global stage. It’s claiming its place at the center of it.
Conclusion
Bus 338 is a bold statement that Kenyan stories can be thrilling, authentic, and globally relevant. It blends survival, emotion, and Nairobi’s heartbeat.
It’s a turning point for Kenyan cinema.
Serah Ndanu says, “It’s a huge responsibility. The courage to start something new, to be vulnerable, to tell a story never told before in Kenya.”
If you love real, gripping stories, Bus 338 is just the beginning.
Kenya’s film revolution has begun.
👉 If you enjoyed this, don’t miss another thrilling urban drama, Locked with My Exes, a complete series on iWayThrills. Dive into the chaos, secrets, and emotional twists waiting inside.
Also check out Top 10 Must-Watch Kenyan Movies of 2025(From Netflix to YouTube Gems)