Top 10 Most Watched TV Programs in Kenya 2024

Discover the top 10 most-watched TV programs in Kenya. From news and soap operas to comedy shows and documentaries,

Introduction

Television has become an integral part of our lives, providing us with entertainment, news, and information. In Kenya, several TV programs have captured the attention of viewers across the country.

Top 10 Most Watched Tv Programs In Kenya 2024

1. Single Kiasi. 2022– 8.6 (28) Rate. TV Series. …
2. Njoro wa Uba. 2019– 9.3 (46) Rate. TV Series. …
3. Volume. 2023– 7.8 (9) Rate. …
4. African Folktales, Reimagined. 2023. 6.4 (207) Rate. …
5. Shuga. 2009– 7.2 (113) Rate. …
6. Country Queen. 2022– TV-MA. 5.2 (286) Rate. …
7. Crime and Justice. 2021– 8.2 (43) Rate. …
8. The Real Housewives of Nairobi. 2023– 7.6 (20) Rate.

    

9. Selina – Telenovela

   Selina, (Ua Kijijini,Mwiba Mjini) is a Kenyan Swahili soap opera and telenovela that airs on Maisha Magic East on Gotv channel 4. It tells the story of Selina (played by Celestine Gachuhi) an intelligent young woman of humble beginnings who has excelled in her fourth form exams and is bound to join university. Her mischievous stepmother, Kristina, crafts a wicked plot to sell her off to work as a maid for the Mackenzies, putting on hold her dreams to pursue further education.

10. Super Sema
    Super Sema is the first African kid superhero animated series about an ordinary young girl on an extraordinary mission to protect her African village from a heartless villain and his army of pesky robots.
    Votes35

     

11. Jua Kali (2021)
12. Siri 2009–2011
13. Auntie Boss 2014–
    Auntie Boss is a Kenyan comedy-drama television series. It delves into the lives of domestic house helps in a fictional Taifa Estate and their everyday drama as it revolves around the families they work for and activities within the neighborhood. It reflects the normal Kenyan culture about the relationships the house helps have with their bosses. The story also features a lifestyle of the high class society in Kenya.
    Socialites 2019–

     

14. Sue Na Jonnie
    Broke Jonnie Juma goes to look for a job at a company, but is confused for an incoming Creative Director with the same name.
15. Eve D’Souza in Varshita (2017)
    Varshita 2017–2019
    This fun romantic comedy stars Eve D’sousa and Maqbul Mohammed as a young couple from completely different backgrounds. Expect laughs and tears as two cultures collide.
16. Machachari 2010– TV Series

     

17. Monica 2018
18. Faithless (2023)
    Faithless is a crime drama series set in the aftermath of a heist gone bad. The story follows four church women drawn into a life of crime and violence when their chama is turned into a money laundering operation by a dangerous crime lord.

     

19. The XYZ Show (2009)
    A Kenyan political satire program featuring latex puppets.
20. Tusker Project Fame (2006)
    Tusker Project Fame is an East African reality-singing competition show sponsored by Tusker Lager. The winner receives cash and a one year record deal with Universal Music Group South Africa.
21. Idols (2008)
    A contest to find the best young singer of East Africa.

     

22. Maina Wa Ndung’u in Nganya (2018)
23.  Nganya
    Quafff, Eliabu De King, Mr. Mapema, Smarta 254, and Sasha Anita in Jimmy Screens (2023)
24. Jimmy Screens
    Jimmy Screens is a Kenyan mockumentary created by Quafff that premiered on YouTube on February 13, 2022. It is a show covering behind the scenes of music videos of different musicians Quafff has directed and produced for.

     

25. Serah Ndanu in Igiza (2022)
    Nicole and Linda’s confrontation reveals a terrifying betrayal from the past. Reggie betrays Musa to save his family. Reggie and Linda’s demons catch up to them when Ian is kidnapped.

     

26. The Wives (2018)
27. Kina 2020– TV Series

    Kone Nouhoum, Blessing Lungaho, Auudi Rowa, Faith Kibathi, Gathoni Mutua, Emmanuel Mugo, Melissa Kiplagat, and Keith Chuaga in This Is Life (2018)

28. This Is Life 2018–TV Series

    Owen Nyasato in A Better Life (2023)

29.  A Better Life 2023–TV Series
    A young activist from Nairobi’s biggest slum area falls in love with the governor’s son. Unknown to them both, his parents are working on dispersing the slum residents to build a development.

     

30. State House (2014)
    The show is a modern day political drama, set in a fictional State House in East Africa, and focuses on the lives, loves and scandals that face the people who work, live and base their lives around the President.

     

31. CNN International: Inside Africa (2007)
    CNN’s International award-winning weekly show, will present from countries across the continent to take viewers on a journey through Africa, exploring the true diversity and depth of different cultures, countries and regions. A continent as seen through the prism of the mediums of art, music, travel and literature.
32. Changes III 2011–TV Series

     

33. Higher Learning (2010)
    A coming-of-age drama series that follows the lives of 6 university students where the toughest lessons they learn are outside the classroom.

     

34. Mali (2011)
35. Tuko Macho (2016)
    A vigilante looks to rid the streets of Nairobi from crime and corruption.
36. Morning Express (2012)
37. Nairobi Law (2009)
    Richard Mwako runs his law firm with an iron hand. He demands the best from his associates and never hesitates to make decisions that he believes are in his clients’ best interests.

     

38. Pazia (2022)
39. County 49 (2022) 2022–TV Series
    County 49 follows Nerimah Mkung, whose role as the new governor of Bwatele County is put to test when she’s taken hostage by a mysterious group demanding what’s rightfully theirs.
40.  Kona 2013–

    Kona is an East African Telenovela where glitz and glamour meets grit and sweat; love and family confront betrayal and solitude; success and triumph are pitted against failure and desperation. In a world where only the strong survive, where you’re only as good as your next move, where love and betrayal are interchangeable… we follow the world of the Oyanges, a family battling for survival after Richard Oyange, business tycoon, dies in a tragic car crash leaving behind a wife, Ayira (Muthoni Gathecha), two daughters; Pamela (Brenda Wairimu), Julia (Nini Wacera) and a son Wanjala (Lwanda Jawar). When daughter, Julia Oyange (Nini Wacera) inherits her late dad’s pet project, a boxing gym, she decides to make it work for the benefit of the family. But Julia is trying to play in a man’s world and the men are not going to let her in that easily. Julia turns to her adopted brother, Wanjala for help. Wanjala (Lwanda Jawar) was once a boxing star who was accused of throwing a fight and lost all his fame and fortune in a scandal. Richard Oyange, believing the scandal, kicked Wanjala out of the family home. Wanjala gave up boxing and his life took a turn for the worse. Now Julia wants him back in the boxing world. But Wanjala is battling problems of his own, a sick daughter and a wife who wants nothing to do with him. He is also haunted by what happened in the last fight which he lost… the fight everyone accused him of throwing. Can he successfully fight his demons and return to his hero status, lovingly dubbed Knock-Out Otieno? Can Julia manage to pull the gym back to its former glory despite the chauvinism that surrounds her? Against this backdrop lies the suspicious circumstances surrounding Richard’s death. His arch nemesis Abasi (Arabron O. Nnyneque) wants the gym and will do almost anything to get it. Was Richard really bankrupt? If not… where is the money?
    Votes9

     

41. Pendo (2014)
42. Saints (2011)
43. Saints TV Series
    SAINTS is Kenya’s first ever medical drama series centered on the intrigues and perils of life as experienced by patients and the medical team at St. Theresa’s General Hospital, a fictional Hospital in Nairobi.
44. One in a Million (2015) The Bolos have hit the jackpot and are moving on up out of their run-down house. Their celebration is cut short when a debt collector shows up.
45. Teke (2021) TEKE is a Kenyan original series which follows street kid Benjamin Kibonge, who is trying to survive the harsh streets conditions and Patrick Mambo who is working so hard to control and Keep TEKE to himself.
46. Foods of Kenya (2019) Ebullient host, Mwaniki Mageria, visits vast tribes in Kenya, interacting with various types of people, as he divulges diverse ways of life and culture, centering this experience around food and how different Kenyan communities prepared food and the cultural nuances around it.
47. Janet Mbugua-Ndichu in Rush (2013)
48. Rush
49. Jela 5
50. Big Girl Small World
51. The Nairobians
52. Tausi 1995–2000

In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 most-watched TV programs in Kenya, highlighting their popularity and why they have become favorites among Kenyan audiences.

1. News

News programs are among the most watched TV shows in Kenya. Viewers rely on these programs to stay informed about current events, both locally and internationally. Leading news channels such as Citizen TV, NTV, and KTN News have a large viewership, thanks to their comprehensive coverage and trusted journalists.

• A recent survey conducted by Geopoll, spanning from September 3rd to September 9th, 2023, has unveiled the top 15 TV stations in Kenya.
• Citizen TV, part of Royal Media Services, stands tall at the summit, securing the number one spot with an impressive audience of over 22 million viewers.
• NTV, owned by the Nation Media Group, is closely behind and boasts a substantial viewership of over 10 million people.
• The report further highlights that NTV maintains its position as the second most-watched news channel, closely following Citizen TV in popularity.
• KTN and KTN News, both under the Standard Group umbrella, claim the third and fourth positions, amassing a combined audience of over 9 million individuals. Maisha Magic East rounds out the top five on this esteemed list.
• A notable addition to the upper positions of Kenyan television is TV47, the country’s newest and fastest-growing TV station, owned by Cape Media.

2. Soap Operas

Soap operas have a dedicated fan base in Kenya. These long-running dramas, often centered around family dynamics, relationships, and societal issues, have captured the hearts of many viewers. Popular soap operas like “Maria,” “Selina,” and “Mother-in-Law” consistently top the ratings, with their compelling storylines and relatable characters.

3. Comedy Shows

Laughter is universal, and Kenyan audiences love their dose of comedy. Comedy shows like “Churchill Show” and “The Real Househelps of Kawangware” have gained immense popularity for their hilarious sketches and witty performances. These shows provide a much-needed break from everyday life and offer light-hearted entertainment to viewers.

4. Game Shows

Game shows have always been a hit among TV audiences, and Kenya is no exception. Shows like “Tahidi High Quiz,” “The Presenter,” and “The XYZ Show” have captivated viewers with their engaging formats and exciting prizes. These shows not only entertain but also challenge the knowledge and skills of participants and viewers alike.

5. Talent Shows

Talent shows have become a platform for showcasing the immense talent that exists in Kenya. Programs like “Tusker Project Fame,” “Sakata Mashariki,” and “Churchill Raw” have given aspiring singers, dancers, and comedians the opportunity to shine. Kenyan audiences are drawn to these shows to witness the rise of new stars and support local talent.

6. Sports Programs

Kenya has a strong sports culture, and sports programs enjoy a dedicated following. Whether it’s football, rugby, athletics, or cricket, sports enthusiasts tune in to catch the latest matches, highlights, and analysis. Sports programs like “SuperSport,” “Sports Center,” and “Scoreline” keep fans updated and engaged.

7. Reality Shows

Reality shows have taken the world by storm, and Kenya is no different. Programs like “Nairobi Diaries,” “The Next Big Thing,” and “Maisha Magic East” provide a glimpse into the lives of real people, their struggles, and their aspirations. These shows offer a mix of drama, entertainment, and relatability, making them a favorite among viewers.

8. Talk Shows

Talk shows have become a platform for discussing important issues and sharing diverse perspectives. Shows like “Jeff Koinange Live,” “The Trend,” and “Sunday Live” attract a wide range of viewers who are interested in thought-provoking discussions and interviews with influential personalities.

9. Documentaries

Documentaries provide a deeper understanding of various subjects, from wildlife and nature to history and social issues. Kenyan audiences appreciate informative and well-researched documentaries that shed light on different aspects of the world we live in. Channels like “National Geographic,” “Discovery Channel,” and “BBC Earth” offer a wide range of captivating documentaries.

10. Educational Programs

Education is a lifelong journey, and TV programs play a role in providing educational content to viewers. Educational shows like “Shamba Shape Up,” “The XYZ Show,” and “Sarafu” focus on topics such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, empowering viewers with knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

The top 10 most watched TV programs in Kenya cover a wide range of genres, catering to the diverse interests of Kenyan audiences. From news and soap operas to comedy shows and documentaries, these programs have captivated viewers with their engaging content and quality production. As the TV landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see which new programs will emerge as favorites among Kenyan viewers.