Before the emergence of Netflix, YouTube, and streaming, most Kenyan families in the 1990s would gather around their living room television (TV) to eagerly wait for their favorite shows to air.
This was a time when just one or two channels ruled the airwaves—mostly Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC)—and television was primarily used for entertainment.
Here is a list of some of the most popular Kenyan TV shows that made 1990s television worth watching:
Tausi
This was one of the most iconic local shows of the time, airing in the late '90s. Tausi was Kenya’s drama series, featuring themes of love, betrayal, and family. It introduced memorable characters like Siti, Lindi, Baraza, Mzee Kasri, Rehema, Master Sugu, Mponda and Karumanzira.
Tausi was beloved not only for its compelling storyline but also because its opening theme song could make an entire neighborhood fall silent. For many Kenyans, it was the first time they saw their own stories, culture, and language reflected on screen.
Vitimbi
Vitimbi is one of Kenya's most iconic television comedy shows. First aired in 1985 on KBC, it quickly became a household favorite. The show centered around Mzee Ojwang’, played by the late Benson Wanjau, and his wife Mama Kayai, played by Mary Khavere.
It featured a strong ensemble cast, including popular actors like Mwala (Davis Mwabili) and Mogaka (Julius Nyambegere).
Together, they portrayed a humorous Kenyan couple running a restaurant and navigating everyday family and social issues. The show ran for over 30 years before it was controversially discontinued in 2014, as KBC attempted to revamp it with a younger cast.
Mke Nyumbani
Hosted by Alice Taabu, Mke Nyumbani was a show that would teach different households how to prepare various dishes. It was a mainstay on weekends as Kenyans would tune in to learn about the best recipes they could try at home.
Kinyonga
Kinyonga was a popular Kenyan comedy show that aired on KBC. It featured well-known actors like Omar Salim (Baba Zero), Hiram Mungai (Ondieki Nyuka Kwota) and comedian Shikwekwe.
The show humorously reflected everyday Kenyan life and social issues, making it relatable and entertaining to audiences across the country. Kinyonga was part of KBC’s golden era of local comedy and had a theme in every episode.
Vioja Mahakamani
It is one of Kenya's longest-running and most beloved comedy shows, airing on KBC for decades. Set in a courtroom, the show uses humor to highlight real-life issues affecting ordinary Kenyans, such as corruption, domestic disputes, and social challenges.
With a cast of iconic characters like the late Masanduku, Otoyo, and Othorong’ong’o, Haniel Karatasi, Judge, Prosecutor, and various quirky witnesses, the show blended comedy with moral lessons.
Penzi Hatari
It was a notable Kenyan television drama that was also aired on KBC during the 1990s. The show's title translates to "Dangerous Love" in English, reflecting its central themes of complex romantic relationships and the challenges that accompany them.
Penzi Hatari was part of a lineup of local productions that resonated with Kenyan audiences, addressing societal issues through engaging storytelling.
Kisulisuli
Kisulisuli was a popular Kenyan TV drama known for its horror and suspense something rare at the time. With dramatic scenes featuring thunder, lightning and eerie characters, the show stood out from other local productions that focused mainly on romance or comedy.
The show also helped launch the careers of actors like Maureen Naibei and comedian Daniel "Churchill" Ndambuki, who got his first TV role on Kisulisuli.
Tahamaki
A classic! It was also aired on KBC between the 1980s and 1990s with a storyline produced in Kiswahili, focusing on crime and social issues. It was known for Dunia Ina Mambo's iconic theme song.
The '90s also introduced Kenyan kids to a wide range of international cartoons and shows like Tom and Jerry, which aired on Saturdays.
TV in the '90s may have been black and white in some homes, with limited channels and long waiting hours, but it was pure magic with the family gathered around the TV for their favorite shows.
