Njoro wa uba discusses the challenges involved in filming

Kenyan actor Joe Kinyua has opened up about the demanding nature of filming the hit comedy-drama Njoro wa Uba, shedding light on the emotional and physical strain that comes with leading one of the country’s most relatable productions.

Carrying the weight of the story
Kinyua, who stars as the lead character Njoro, revealed that the role is particularly challenging because he appears in nearly every scene. He explained that juggling multiple storylines and shifting between different emotional tones in a single day can be overwhelming, especially as the show centres on the lives and struggles of various passengers.

The actor noted that transitioning quickly from comedic moments to deeply emotional scenes takes a toll, both mentally and physically. He added that embodying Njoro often feels like carrying the weight of other people’s experiences, as each episode reflects real-life situations faced by ordinary Kenyans.

“It’s taxing having to live through all the emotional and light moments and carry people’s stories,” he said in an interview.

Emotional and creative pressure
Kinyua also highlighted the creative pressure involved in bringing authenticity to the show, which mirrors everyday life in Nairobi and beyond. The series follows a single father who, after losing his banking job due to a financial scandal, turns to taxi driving to support his daughter while navigating legal challenges.

Through his work, Njoro encounters people from diverse backgrounds, exposing social issues such as strained relationships, financial hardship, broken families, and broader societal pressures. This layered storytelling demands compelling and believable performances from the cast.

According to Kinyua, the show’s strength lies in its ability to reflect the realities of Kenyan life, which in turn places a greater responsibility on actors to remain genuine and relatable on screen.

Growth through experience
Despite the challenges, Kinyua says the experience has significantly shaped his growth as an actor. He pointed out that comparing earlier seasons to recent ones reveals clear improvement in how he handles complex emotions, character development, and storytelling.

The series, which has run for several seasons and earned recognition, including Kalasha Awards nominations, continues to stand out for its portrayal of urban life and the daily struggles of taxi drivers in Kenya.

Connecting with audiences
Kinyua added that audience appreciation plays a key role in easing the pressure, as positive feedback reassures both the cast and crew that their efforts to tell authentic Kenyan stories are making a meaningful impact.