Beloved Kenyan classic Makutano Junction is returning to the screens with a new spin-off series, Maisha Makutano. The 13-part series will premiere on 6 September on Citizen TV.
Produced by Rahma Seif (known for NBA: Jumping for Change), Maisha Makutano blends entertainment with powerful messages on financial inclusion, agribusiness, gender-based violence, childcare and reproductive health.
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“Maisha Makutano brings audiences back to the heart of Kenya, where community life unfolds through gripping storylines, complex characters, and timely social themes,” says Seif. “Following in the footsteps of Makutano Junction, which captivated over six million viewers across East Africa, Maisha Makutano combines rich character arcs with social impact storytelling. The series is deeply rooted in research, ensuring that its themes resonate with local audiences while sparking real conversations and behaviour change.”
Described as an edutainment soap opera, Makutano Junction premiered in 2006, tackling contemporary African issues such as corruption, female genital mutilation, HIV/AIDS, social justice, and reproductive health. The original featured some of Kenya’s most celebrated actors including Raymond Ofula, Charles Ouda, Lizz Njagah, Ainea Ojiambo, Patricia Kihoro, Melvin Alusa, Naomi Kamau, and Caroline Midimo. It ran for 15 seasons until 2015.
Maisha Makutano is produced by the Mediae Company, the African edutainment outfit behind socially impactful shows such as Makutano Junction and Shamba Shape Up. The series is directed by Vincent Mbaya (Pepeta, Country Queen) and Mkaiwawi Mwakaba (MTV Shuga Mashariki, Makosa ni Yangu), with Sophie Rottmann (Shamba Shape Up) producing alongside Seif. Damaris Irungu (Pepeta, Crime and Justice) serves as the head writer, joined by Mercy Mutisya (Untying Kantai, Tuki), Abigail Arunga (Pepeta, 4Play), Philip Luswata (Makutano Junction), and Scola Thitai (Deadbeat).
Maisha Makutano follows closely after the return of MTV Shuga, which made a comeback to Kenya in May with a new season titled MTV Shuga Mashariki after 15 years.
Meet the cast of Maisha Makutano:
- Michelle Tiren (Nawi) as Esther Kabando – A proud, determined salon owner fighting to rebuild her life after moving back to Makutano with her disgraced husband and two daughters.
- Marianne Nungo (Supa Modo) as Dorothy Mwamburi – A bold and uncompromising chemist and justice advocate who stands up for women’s independence.
- Carol Midimo (The Dog) as Margaret – A loyal wife caught between family duty and community justice after her husband’s SACCO scandal.
- Georgia Lenny (Taliya) as Achie Okoth – A resilient single mother whose hustle leads her to open a daycare in the village.
- Wanjiru Marima (Reckless) as Gabby Mannasseh – A spirited dreamer chasing music, love, and a place in her community.
- Naomi Kamau (Mother in Law) as Immaculate Ambani – A staunch traditionalist nurse who constantly clashes with modern views on youth reproductive health.
- Tonny Njunguna (Subterranea) as Dr. Charles – An empathetic doctor balancing love, duty, and progressive ideals.
- Bruce Makau (2 Asunder) as William “KJ” Kabando Jnr – A status-driven ex-banker whose insecurities fuel a toxic marriage.
- Philip Luswata (Makutano Junction) as Chairman Matano – A charismatic SACCO leader whose greed jeopardises his integrity.
- Koome Kinoti (Crime & Justice) as Kevin Matawi – A tech-savvy son with big dreams and a love story that challenges family loyalties.
Maisha Makutano will premiere on 6 September at 8:00PM on Citizen TV, with new episodes every Saturday. Episodes will also be available on YouTube via the Africa Knowledge Zone channel.
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