If your watchlist has been staring back at you a little too quietly lately, let’s address the real question first: are there actually new Kenyan films worth watching in 2026, or is it all hype?
Here’s the myth that needs busting right away: Kenyan cinema is not in a “slow year.” It’s not waiting to catch up. And it’s definitely not being carried by foreign releases alone. In fact, 2026 might be one of the most ambitious years Kenyan filmmakers have ever delivered.
Think about it. When was the last time a Kenyan psychological thriller made you uncomfortable in the best way? Or a locally made sci-fi project dared to imagine a future Kenya instead of recycling the past? This year, those “we don’t really do that here” genres are no longer off-limits. They’re happening, and they’re happening well.
If you follow local film even casually, you’ve likely heard the quiet buzz. Names like Tosh Gitonga and Likarion Wainaina are back in serious conversation, not with safe projects, but with stories that take risks, challenge audiences, and demand attention. The only problem? Knowing where to actually to watch these films once they drop is still confusing for many viewers.
So, where do you find them: in cinema, on TV, on Netflix-style platforms, or at festivals? And which titles are already out versus coming later in the year?
That’s exactly why this guide exists. Below is a clear breakdown of new Kenyan films and series released in 2026, plus where to stream them or catch them on the big screen, so your weekends don’t just get saved, they get upgraded.
Why Is This Important or Relevant?
Kenyan film is entering a more mature phase. Bigger budgets, stronger writing, cross-border collaborations, and recognisable directors are changing how local stories are told and distributed.
Tracking new Kenyan films released in 2026 helps you:
- Discover quality local content before it trends
- Support Kenyan filmmakers intentionally
- Know what’s on TV vs. streaming (and what’s coming next)
- Understand where the industry is heading creatively and commercially
If you create content, write reviews, or run an entertainment blog, this list also helps you stay relevant and searchable.
The Full List of New Kenyan Films and Series in 2026
Alright, this is where things get interesting.
If you’ve been wondering what Kenyan films are actually out in 2026 and which ones are worth your time, this list cuts through the noise. No vague announcements. No “coming soon” with no context. Just the key films and series shaping Kenyan screen culture this year, what they’re about, who’s behind them, and where you can realistically watch them.
Some titles are already airing or streaming. Others are still building momentum and are set to drop later in the year. Either way, this is the clearest snapshot of Kenyan film and TV in 2026 right now.
Quick tip before we dive in: platforms like Showmax and Citizen TV are doing the heavy lifting for local content, so they’re worth keeping on your radar.
1. Kito
Genre: Sports / Drama Series
Creator: Tosh Gitonga (Nairobi Half Life)
If football runs through your veins, Kito will hit home.
The series follows a young footballer navigating ambition, love, loyalty, and the harsh realities of city life, both on and off the pitch. It doesn’t romanticise success; it shows the cost of chasing it.
Premiering on 9 January 2026, Kito has already secured its place as one of the most accessible and relatable Kenyan series this year.
Where to Watch:
- Citizen TV – Airs every Friday and Saturday at 8 PM
- YouTube – Re-runs available on the Co-operative Bank Kenya channel
2. Nje
Genre: Sci-Fi (Short Film)
Production House: Giza Visuals
Kenyan sci-fi is still rare, which is exactly why Nje matters.
Set in a dystopian future, Kenya ruled by powerful corporations, this short film tackles themes of inequality, control, and resistance in a world that feels uncomfortably close to reality. It’s compact, sharp, and designed to provoke conversation rather than spoon-feed answers.
Scheduled for a late-2026 release, Nje proves that Kenyan filmmakers are no longer afraid to imagine bold futures instead of sticking to familiar ground.
Where to Watch:
Expected on digital platforms and film festivals. Giza Visuals often releases short films online, so YouTube and official channels are your best bet.
3. Jua na Mwezi
Genre: Coming-of-Age / Family Drama
Production House: Giza Visuals
Not every powerful story needs chaos or danger.
Jua na Mwezi leans into tenderness, family bonds, and personal growth. It explores everyday Kenyan life with warmth and emotional honesty, exactly the kind of storytelling that resonates quietly but deeply.
This film is a reminder that local cinema doesn’t have to shout to be impactful.
Where to Watch:
Release planned for 2026. Early signals suggest a possible theatrical run before landing on streaming platforms.
5. Qahar
Genre: Survival Drama
Format: Film–Mini-Series Hybrid
Co-Production: Giza Visuals & Aro’or Films (Somalia)
Qahar stands out immediately because of its format and collaboration.
This Kenya–Somalia co-production blends film and episodic storytelling to explore survival under extreme circumstances. It’s raw, cross-cultural, and deliberately experimental, pushing East African storytelling beyond borders.
Filming began in late 2025, with an August 2026 release window in sight.
Where to Watch:
Expected in cinemas, with strong potential for regional or international streaming platforms afterwards.
6. Subterranea
Genre: Psychological Thriller / Sci-Fi
Director: Likarion Wainaina (Supa Modo)
This is the project everyone keeps talking about, and for good reason.
Subterranea throws eight strangers into an underground bunker with one promise: a massive cash prize. What starts as a controlled “game” slowly unravels into paranoia, power struggles, and psychological warfare. The tension doesn’t come from monsters or explosions; it comes from people cracking under pressure.
What makes Subterranea a big deal is that it confidently pushes Kenyan storytelling into psychological and sci-fi territory without losing emotional depth. It’s cerebral, unsettling, and deliberately uncomfortable in the best way.
Where to Watch:
Streaming on Showmax, where all episodes premiered. This one is perfect for binge-watching if you enjoy slow-burn thrillers that stay with you long after the credits roll.
Conclusion
These titles represent the strongest wave of Kenyan films and series in 2026 so far, but the year isn’t done yet. More projects are still in development, and surprise releases are always possible.
What’s clear is this: Kenyan cinema is no longer playing it safe. Genres are blending. Budgets are growing. Stories are getting bolder.
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to take local film seriously, 2026 just gave you several.