Makutano Junction

2007 Kenyan TV series or program
Makutano Junction
GenreDrama
Soap opera
Written byPhilip Luswata
Naomi Kamau
Natasha Likimani
Charles Ouda
Wanjiru Kairu
Damaris Irungu
Morrison Mwadulo
Charles Ouda
Patrick Serro
Joanne Carpenter
Screenplay byPhilip Luswata
Wanjiru Kairu
Damaris Irungu
Charles Ouda
Patrick Serro
Natasha Likimani
Simiyu Barasa
Patrick Serro
Directed byAndrew Gosling
Mary Migui
Salome Kinyanjui
Shani Grewal
Derrick Omfwoko Aswani
StarringLizz Njagah
Maqbul Mohammed
Peter King
Regina Rè
Raymond Ofula
Joseph Omari
Emily Wanja
Charles Ouda
Naomi Kamau
Angela Ndambuki
Onyango Owino
Patrick Serro
Tonny Njuguna
Philip Luswata
Carol Midimo
Ken Ambani
Damaris Irungu
Raymond Ofula
Wanja Mworia
Janet Kirina
Theme music composerSimon Brint
Tom Dyson
ComposerSimon Brint
Country of originKenya
Original languages
No. of series15
No. of episodes191 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersDavid Campbell
Naomi Kamau
ProducerBenedict Boyd
Production locationsNairobi
Kenya
CinematographySammy Maina
EditorsLouiza Wanjiku Makbul
Mercy Muriuki
Esther Kintu
Wanjugu Ndirangu
Camera setupMulti-camera setup
Running time30 minutes
Production companyMediae Production Company[1]
Original release
Network
Release2007 (2007) –
<2015 (2015)

Makutano Junction is a Kenyan soap opera that premiered in 2007. It captures different themes that affect the normal African society. The main contemporary issues that are mostly stressed in the drama are corruption, education, early marriages, female genital mutilation and pregnancies, HIV/AIDS, human rights, social justice, values and perceptions, and conflict resolution. The story is set in a fictional village named Makutano and has an ensemble cast.

Production

Production crew

The show is produced by David Campbell and Naomi Kamau. The TV show has had different directors and writers who dedicate themselves to different episodes and seasons. The first director was Andrew Gosling. Shani Grewal directed 39 episodes of the show. Mary Migui, Salome Kinyanjui and Omfwoko Aswani were also directors at some point in the television series. Philip Luswata, also playing a main role in the teledrama, is the primary scriptwriter. Other writers were Morrison Mwadulo, Natasha Likimani, Charles Ouda, Damaris Irungu, Patrick Serro and Wanjiru Kairu. Official production of this television series was started in 2006.

Filming

The first nine seasons were shot in standard and were framed at 4:3 aspect ratio. Subsequent seasons have had 16:9 widescreen. Each season is set to have 13 episodes each. The first season was released in the same year, and issues such as human rights, social justice, values and perceptions, conflict resolution, sustainable development, and interdependency, among others, were showcased.[2] In series two of Makutano, living with HIV/AIDS social justice were the key issues.[3] In the third season, human rights, diversity values, and perceptions were the key issues that were put into play.[4] The fourth season—which ran for the usual 13-episode run—had all the previous themes combined with one key issue that was included women leadership and the challenges they face. This made Regina Rè the central character of the season.[5] Down to the thirteenth season, women banking had its fly as it encouraged women to consider saving their money for financial security. The 2015-2016 season will cover the topics of tracking education for children, improving education in schools through teacher and parent participation, women's empowerment, and agribusiness entrepreneurship.

Premise

Makutano Junction spans through different families in Makutano Village. For every normal village there must be a saga. Hence, Makutano Village may not be out of the norm. Cases such as corruption, health issues, empowerment of women, and domestic violence are common in most parts of developing nations, thus ways of tackling such cases are showcased in the story. For instance, one gets to meet a select group of family members like The Mabukis, who are headed by Winston Mabuki. He is a respectable man in his mid sixties. Married to an ambitious woman, Priscilla, they have one son, Karis who has a daughter (a product of their teenage romance) with Hope Baraka but never got married, an ex-convict that demands fear from the rest of the village. The series also features a family that have members suffering from HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS is mainly showcased by Margaret, who does not hide her status and lives a normal life without infecting her loving husband, Matano, the Makutano chief. They even conceive a daughter who is born healthy. It is The Okodis, in which Mama Mboga has to fight stigmatization and endure the abuse she receives from her husband Erasmus Okodi. The story also features political ventures of various characters and the challenges they face especially women. At one point, Hope Baraka vies for parliamentary elections, where she faces discrimination among men and conservative members of society. Moreover, family and marital problems are also depicted in the storyline. For example, Hannington Baraka shares a very distant relationship with his youngest son Philip, who only seeks for his father to look at his good side and support his decisions no matter how rushed they are sometimes. Love is also represented in the show, for instance, the great love that Philip has for Red.

Cast

Regular cast

The Mabukis

The Barakas

  • Joseph Omari[11] as Hannington Baraka
  • Margaret Aketch[12] as Bernadette Baraka
  • Onyango Owino[13] as Maspeedy
  • Regina Re[14] as Hope Baraka
  • Charles Ouda[15] as Philip Baraka
  • Patricia Kihoro[16] as Diana Baraka
  • Mungai Mbaya[17] as Brian Baraka

The Mulanis

  • Jim Were[18] as Jonathan Mulani
  • Salome Kinyanjui[18] as Rose Mulani
  • Beatrice Wangechi[19] as Kara Mulani
  • Emily Wanja[20] as Red Mulani
  • Kamau Mbaya[18] as Tobby Mulani

The Mukaras

  • Uncornfirmed actor[21] as Leonard
  • Lizz Njagah[21] as Nancy Mukara
  • Angela Ndambuki as Nancy #2 (Season 2 only)
  • Peter Nzioki[21] as Albert Mukara

The Okodis

  • Naomi Kamau[22] as Mama Mboga
  • Cajetan Boy[23] as Erasmus Okodi[23]
  • Uncornfirmed actor[23] as Peggy Okodi[23]
  • Uncornfirmed actor[23] as Mari Okodi[23]
  • Uncornfirmed actor[23] as Joni Okodi (baby)[23]

Barbers and Hairdressers

Barbers
  • Frobisher Lwanga[24] as Dodgy D[24]
  • Abubakar Mwenda[24] as Bill[24]
  • Jeff Shigoli[25] as Ben
The Matanos
  • Philip Luswata as Matano
  • Caroline Midimo as Margaret
  • Asha Mwikali as Everlyn
Hairdressers

The Matendecheres

  • Morrison Mwadulo as Josiah
  • Louisa Sialo as Ana
  • Pascal Tokodi as Thomas
  • Triza Kabue as Lena

Other cast

  • Damaris Irungu as Pendo
  • Tonny Njuguna as Dr. Charles
  • Patrick Serro as Washington
  • Charles Bukeko as Matata
  • Lucy Njoroge as Bettina
  • Katherine Damaris as Mama Pima
  • Natasha Likimani as Catherine A.K.A Kate
  • Joed Ngaruiya as Shani
  • Ngwatilo Mawiyoo as Lilian
  • Isaac Muwawu as Joseph Matata
  • Nungari Kang'ethe as Mrs. Matata
  • Mbeki Mwalimu as Dr. Hannah Wasali
  • Justin Mirichii as Elvis Kipmau
  • Joan Samia as Stella
  • Henry Njenga as Henri Drani
  • Malcolm Mwakazi as Steve
  • Kenneth Ambani as Shaka
  • Gloria Moraa as Yvonne
  • Faith Nyanga as Letisha
  • Gitura Kamau as K.K
  • Samantha Wanjiru as Peninah
  • Allan Weku as Frankie
  • Irene Kariuki as Mercy
  • Diana Kamau as Hellen
  • Lucia Shikuku as Cheryl

Broadcast

Since its premiere, Makutano Junction has been broadcast all over East Africa. In Kenya it recorded regular viewership of 7 million viewers by 2013,[26][27] making it the most watched local program in the country. In Tanzania, it recorded average viewership of 2 million viewers and a viewership rating of 3 million in Uganda.[28]

Series overview

Spin-Offs

Maisha Makutano

In August 2025, Mediae Company announced a spin-off series titled Maisha Makutano, set to premiere on 6 September 2025 on Citizen TV.[29] The upcoming 13-part series will continue the legacy of Makutano Junction as an edutainment soap opera, combining drama with social impact themes.

Produced by Rahma Seif (known for NBA: Jumping for Change) with Sophie Rottmann as co-producer, the show is directed by Vincent Mbaya (Pepeta, Country Queen) and Mkaiwawi Mwakaba (MTV Shuga Mashariki, Makosa ni Yangu).

Maisha Makutano will explore contemporary issues such as financial inclusion, agribusiness, gender-based violence, childcare, and reproductive health, maintaining the research-driven approach of its predecessor. The series aims to spark conversations and inspire positive behaviour change within Kenyan communities.

The spin-off will feature both new characters and familiar faces. Confirmed cast members include:

  • Michelle Tiren (Nawi) as Esther Kabando – A salon owner rebuilding her life after her husband's scandal.
  • Marianne Nungo (Supa Modo) as Dorothy Mwamburi – A bold chemist advocating for women’s rights.
  • Carol Midimo (The Dog) as Margaret – Caught between family loyalty and community justice.
  • Georgia Lenny (Taliya) as Achie Okoth – A single mother who opens a daycare.
  • Wanjiru Marima (Reckless) as Gabby Mannasseh – A spirited dreamer chasing music and love.
  • Naomi Kamau (Mother in Law) as Immaculate Ambani – A traditionalist nurse clashing with modern views on reproductive health.
  • Tonny Njunguna (Subterranea) as Dr. Charles – A doctor balancing progressive ideals and love.
  • Bruce Makau (2 Asunder) as William “KJ” Kabando Jnr – A former banker whose insecurities strain his marriage.
  • Philip Luswata (returning from Makutano Junction) as Chairman Matano – A SACCO leader grappling with greed and integrity.
  • Koome Kinoti (Crime & Justice) as Kevin Matawi – A tech-savvy son with ambitious dreams.

The series airedr every Saturday at 8:00 PM on Citizen TV, with episodes also available on YouTube via the Africa Knowledge Zone channel after broadcast.

References

  1. ^ "Makutano junction mediae". mediae.org. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  2. ^ "Series 1 episode summaries". makutanojunction.org.uk/. Medianet. 5 October 2004. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  3. ^ "Series 2 episode summaries". makutanojunction.org.uk/. Medianet. 5 October 2004. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  4. ^ "Series 3 episode summaries". makutanojunction.org.uk/. Medianet. 5 October 2004. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  5. ^ "Series 3 episode summaries". makutanojunction.org.uk/. Medianet. 5 October 2004. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  6. ^ "Winston is a pillar of the Makutano community". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  7. ^ "Priscilla Mabuki's character". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  8. ^ "Karis Mabuki". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  9. ^ "Vincent is a pillar of the Makutano community". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  10. ^ "Ojlambo". Makutano Junction. Archived from the original on 26 November 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  11. ^ "Hannington Baraka". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  12. ^ "Bernadette Baraka/Margy Aketch". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  13. ^ "Makutano, the soap character". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  14. ^ "RegRe kwa makutano junction". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  15. ^ "Charles Ouda is Philip Baraka MJ". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  16. ^ "Winston is a pillar of the Makutano community". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  17. ^ "Winston is a pillar of the Makutano community". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  18. ^ a b c "The Mulani's family tree". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  19. ^ "MJ's Kara Mulani". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  20. ^ "Meet Red Mulani". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  21. ^ a b c "Mukaras Family tree". Makutano Junction. Archived from the original on 6 October 2015. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  22. ^ "The actress Naomi Kamau". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h "The Okodi family tree". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g "The Makutano saloonists". Makutano Junction. Archived from the original on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  25. ^ "Winston is a pillar of the Makutano community". Makutano Junction. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  26. ^ "Makutano, Junction Viewership". .mediae.org. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  27. ^ "The makutano". MJATP. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  28. ^ "Viewership ratings in UG and TZ". Media Broad. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  29. ^ Maisha Makutano coming to you September 6th!. Retrieved 23 August 2025 – via www.youtube.com.
  • Official website
  • Makutano Junction at IMDb
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