Wanjiru Kairu

With over 15 years of storytelling expertise, Wanjiru Kairu is an internationally acclaimed writer and director, a creative powerhouse in film and television.

Wanjiru has earned recognition for her captivating short films, including New Year’s Eve, Must Be A God-Fearing Christian Woman, and Weakness. These films have not only received screenwriting nominations from the Africa Movie Academy Awards but have also been honored at prestigious festivals like the Durban International Film Festival and the Encounters Film Festival in Bristol, among others.

Her original feature film, Last Round, which she penned for Pan-African pay TV channel M-Net and the popular subscription video streaming service Showmax, has also garnered substantial acclaim and attention.

Wanjiru's creativity shines brightly in the realm of episodic series as well. Her writing on shows like Kona (M-Net) and Love Makanika for Pearl Magic on regional satellite service DStv and pay television service GOtv Africa have captured audiences continent-wide. Among Kenyan free-to-air television networks, Wanjiru has distinguished herself with contributions to notable shows New Beginnings (KTN) and Nairobi Law (Citizen TV). Wanjiru’s exceptional writing on Makutano Junction for Kenya’s KBC network and Tabasamu (Citizen TV) earned her prestigious Kalasha Awards from the Kenya Film Commission.

Adding to her accomplishments, Wanjiru has showcased her directorial talent on Nairobi Law, and Makutano Junction, solidifying her position as a creative visionary.

As a respected industry leader who has served two years as the Kenya Scriptwriters Guild chairperson, Wanjiru remains dedicated to refining her craft and advancing her career. She actively participates in esteemed programs such as the International Writer’s Lab, Berlinale Talents (Berlin International Film Festival), Maisha Film Lab, and Realness Institute’s AuthenticA Series Lab.