Nyokabi Macharia is a Kenyan actress, director and producer. She is known for her work across theatre, film and television, with leading roles in productions such as Country Queen, County 49 and the award-winning film Chaguo. In 2022, she won the Kalasha Award for Best Lead Actress in a Film for her performance in Chaguo.
Macharia is considered part of a new generation of Kenyan performers contributing to the international visibility of the countryâÂÂs film and television industry, particularly through productions distributed on global streaming platforms.
Macharia was born and raised in Nakuru, Kenya. She attended Carol Academy for her primary education and Moi Forces Academy, Lanet, for her secondary education. During her school years, she actively participated in the Kenya National Drama Festivals, where she developed an early interest in performance and storytelling.
She later enrolled at Daystar University, graduating with a bachelor of arts in public relations. While at university, she became deeply involved in theatre and performance, which solidified her decision to pursue acting professionally.
In 2019, she moved to London to further her training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where she earned a master of arts in acting (musical theatre). Her formal training contributed to her versatility as a performer across stage and screen.
Macharia began her professional theatre career in Nairobi following her university studies. In 2017, she portrayed Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Kenya National Theatre, a role that showcased her musical theatre training and stage presence.
In 2018, she joined the cast of Too Early for Birds: Brazen Edition, a production focused on the stories of influential women in Kenyan history. The performance was part of a widely recognized Kenyan theatre series known for blending history and performance.
She also performed in the international production Tinga Tinga the Musical, where she played the role of Giraffe. The show toured internationally, including performances at the New Victory Theater in New York City, marking her entry into global stage productions.
Macharia was also part of the cast of Too Early for Birds: Tom Mboya Edition, a stage production in the long-running Kenyan theatre series Too Early for Birds, which focuses on retelling lesser-known stories from Kenyan history. The production explored the life and legacy of Kenyan politician Tom Mboya, situating his story within both historical and contemporary socio-political contexts.
In 2025, Macharia marked a decade in the performing arts with her one-woman show Index One, directed by Nice Githinji. The production was based on her personal journals and explored themes of identity, growth and artistic evolution, receiving attention for its autobiographical and introspective approach. MachariaâÂÂs performance was noted for its versatility, as she took on multiple roles within the ensemble cast, requiring shifts in character, tone and physicality throughout the production.
Macharia made her television breakthrough in 2019 with a leading role in the Kenyan drama series MaEmpress. She later appeared in Crime and Justice, a Showmax legal drama, further establishing her presence in television.
In 2022, she gained international recognition for her role in Country Queen, KenyaâÂÂs first Netflix original series. Her performance contributed to the global visibility of Kenyan storytelling and marked a milestone in the countryâÂÂs television industry. That same year, she starred in the Showmax political drama County 49, where she portrayed Debrah Maka, the chief of staff to a county governor. The role highlighted themes of governance, power and political dynamics in Kenya.
Her performance as Rose in the film Chaguo (2022) earned her the Kalasha Award for Best Lead Actress in a Film. The role was widely regarded as a defining moment in her career, demonstrating her ability to carry a feature film as a lead performer.
In 2024, she starred in the comedy film Sketchy Africans (also known as Sketchy AF!), directed by Vincent Mbaya. For the role of Miriam, she shaved her head, reflecting a commitment to character transformation. The performance earned her a nomination for Best Lead Actress at the 2026 Kalasha Awards.