9 reality TV shows in Kenya over the years and now

Reality TV shows have taken the world by storm and Kenya is no exception. In the recent years the country has seen an explosion of reality shows being produced and aired. These shows have become increasingly popular among Kenyan audiences providing a glimpse into the lives of celebrities and showcasing various aspects of the Kenyan culture. Below is a list of reality shows that are Kenyan made;

• Nairobi diaries

Nairobi diaries is a show that took viewers behind the scenes of the lives of a group of socialites in Nairobi. The show followed the personal lives of the cast members as they navigated their way through relationships, business deals, and social events.

It was the first reality show in Kenya created by Janet Mwaluda . It aired on K24 and rose the star dorm of many celebrities in Kenya. For Example; Noti Flow, Colonel Mustapha ,Vera Sidika , Prezzo, Pendo, Mishi Dorah, Bridget Achieng etc. 

The reality TV show first premiered in 2015 which run for 10 seasons.

• Bahati reality 

The shows was entitled being bahati before rebranding to Bahati Reality. It was first aired on NTV Kenya in 2018 produced by Eugen Mbugua. 

The show followed the life of Kevin Bahati, then a gospel artist and his family; wife Diana Marua and their children. It gave viewers a behind the scenes look into their personal and professional lives, including their daily activities, struggles, and achievements.

The couple, Diana and Bahati recently announced a comeback of the show with the name "The Bahati's"

Bahati is the first Kenyan artist to ever launch  a reality TV show. 

• Wife material

Wife Material is a reality TV show that was launched in Kenya in 2021. The show featured controversial comedian ,Eric Omondi , who was in pursuit of a wife.

It attracted a lot of attention and controversy with many people criticizing it for promoting negative values.

The show aired for two seasons. The second season got a lot of backlash from Kenyans due to its nature of showcasing sensitive content.

Some of its cast members were; From Kenya: Sherlyne Anyango, DJ Coco, Manzi wa Kibera, Shakilla. From Tanzania: Singer Gigy Mani, Suzan Faustine, Berther, Kyler jeycman. From Uganda:Diana Birungi, Raphaela, Sibella Nsiimire, Sumaiya.

• Dine with the Muraya's 

Samuel Muraya and Linet Munyali, popularly known as Dj Mo and Size 8 , first premiered their show on NTV.

The covers everything in their marriage life, motherhood with their two children, Ladasha Belle and Muraya Jnr, and all the challenges that come with parenthood.

Currently, the show airs on their Youtube channel.

• Sol family

Sol Family is a reality TV show that follows the lives of popular Kenyan musicians, Sauti Sol, and their families. The show premiered in 2020 and has been a hit with viewers. It showcases the lives of the band members and their families as they navigate their way through the music industry.

Eugen Mbugua produced the show, which aired on Maisha Magic and Showmax.

• This love 

The reality show produced by Eugene Mbugua revolved around the lives of Kenyan Singers Wahu and Nameless. 

The power couple had been married for 15 years at the time of the series release and are respected by many for their dedication to their marriage and family life which they had managed to keep out of the public eye over the years.

It was premiered in May 2021 on Showmax. The show also aired on Maisha magic.

• Kyallo Kulture

Betty Kyalo is an Entrepreneur and an award winning Journalist who has worked with Standard Media Group and Medimax, K24. 

The show navigates around the life of Betty and her sisters, Mercy and Gloria. It was premiered in June 2022. 

It is a 13 part series produced by Eugen Mbugua and  is available on Showmax. 

• The Real housewives of Nairobi 

The Real Housewives of Nairobi reality drama navigates around the lavish and glamorous  life of top selected millionaire influencers from Kenya. 

It first premiered on 23rd February 2023 on Showmax. It has since broken streaming records for the most first day viewed shows on Showmax with the first episode becoming the most watched premiere ever for any title.

It stars serial entrepreneur Susan Kaittany, media personality and entrepreneur Vera Sidika, luxury influencer, fashion collector and entrepreneur Sonal Maherali, actor and entrepreneur Minnie Kariuki, interior designer, author, and business owner, rally driver and luxury safari curator Lisa Christoffersen.

• Oh Sister 

Oh sister is a reality show that will revolve around the life of Top gospel singers and celebrities in Kenya. 

it is set to be released in April 2023 and will be aired on Maisha Magic. 

The series stars Linet Munyali (Size 8), Beatrice Wanjiku (Betty Bayo), Bernice Nduko (Lady Bee), Veronica Mushana (Nicah the Queen), Millicent Wambui (Milly Wa Jesus), Janet Otieno, and Priscilla Ndanu Maina.