Kate Vobic among three Nakuru female filmmakers nominated for WIFA awards
(From L-R) Catherine Gitahu, popularly known as Kate Vobic, Teresia Nduta, and Lina Wanja are nominated for the Women in Film Awards.
Nakuru’s growing film industry has received a major boost after three female filmmakers from the county were nominated for the Women in Film Awards (WIFA) 2026, placing the region firmly on Kenya’s creative map.
The nominees who worked in the film Shiko includes Catherine Gitahu, popularly known as Kate Vobic, Teresia Nduta, and Lina Wanja, all of whom have been recognized in different technical categories.
Kate Vobic has been nominated for Best Newcomer Producer, Lina Wanja for Best Production Manager, while Teresia Nduta earned a nomination for Best Set Designer.
The Women in Film Awards (WIFA) is a pioneering initiative dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and empowering women filmmakers and creatives across Kenya’s film and screen industries.
The nominations not only acknowledge individual excellence but also signal a broader shift toward inclusivity and regional representation in the national film space.
Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Kate Vobic described the nomination as a deeply personal and professional milestone. She notes that the recognition validates years of behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed.
“To me, it means that our job has been recognised, what we’ve been doing and secondly, it’s an upper push for me to keep producing more films,” she adds.
Reflecting on her long journey in the creative industry, Kate reveals that success did not come overnight.
"I had done other projects on various platforms. It has taken more than 10 years without being recognised in film, apart from broadcast. So, I would tell young people never give up and give yourself time to grow,” she says.
She emphasizes that filmmaking requires patience, discipline, and resilience noting that there’s no popcorn gratification in film. Just be consistent and work hard, because film requires dedication and hard work.
Beyond personal success, the nominations hold significant meaning for Nakuru, a county often overlooked in discussions about film and the creative arts.
“People talk ill about Nakuru, but we are ready to bring a culture of film to Nakuru. That will only come through consistency, persistence, and trusting in God,” she says.
Kate also used the moment to speak candidly about ethics in the film industry, particularly the treatment of actors and crew.
“My number one thing is morality and uprightness, and doing things the way God would want me to do. I will never allow my people to sleep around or force anyone into immorality so they can become what they want to become,” she explains.
She further sent a message to producers who misuse their positions of power.
“To producers who misuse actors, actresses, and the crew, just do things the right way. One day it will pay,” she says.
The nominations of Kate Vobic, Lina Wanja, and Teresia Nduta mark a defining moment for Nakuru’s creative sector. Beyond individual recognition, their success represents hope and inspiration for young girls and upcoming filmmakers in the county.