From the KDF barracks to the big screen: How Nakuru’s Peter Wachira became a film legend

Veteran Nakuru-based actor and filmmaker Peter Wachira has had one of the most remarkable journeys in Kenya’s film and television industry. His career did not begin on a theatre stage, but within the disciplined ranks of the Kenya Air Force. 

It all started all the way from the barracks to becoming one of Kenya’s most esteemed TV producers and actors. 

His passion for acting was born while serving in the military. He claims to have been one of the first people to start a drama group within the KDF. His troupe performed at Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) shows across Nakuru, Mombasa and Nairobi, showcasing the talent and discipline of the Kenya Air Force. 

“We were very prominent and even won awards,” he recalls.

His big break came in 1999, when the renowned writer Ashina Kibibi, who was working with KBC at the time, discovered him during a performance at the Nairobi International Trade Fair. She cast him in Kasheshe, a children's drama series on KBC, marking his first appearance on national television.

Later, when Kibibi moved to KTN, Wachira followed her there, featuring prominently in Asali, the station’s first Swahili drama series.

After Asali was discontinued, Wachira took a bold step and created his own show, Maua, which aired on NTV in 2005. 

"I wrote, directed, produced and acted in it. It was tough, but it gave me experience. I would later co-produce Waridi, one of Kenya’s most successful TV dramas, which ran from 2008 to 2010 and was later aired on DStv,” he says. 

Over time, Wachira also ventured into film, working on Enough is Enough in 2004. However, rampant piracy dealt the team a heavy blow. "We saw our film being sold on the streets for Sh50, while the official price was Sh300. None of that money reached us,” he laments.

Despite this earlier setback, Wachira remains hopeful about the future of filmmaking in Nakuru, as the environment is supportive. 

People are willing to help, locations are often provided free of charge, and residents are open to the presence of film crews. “Filmmakers in Nakuru should take advantage of this atmosphere and tell their stories,” he advises.

However, he insists that financing remains the biggest obstacle. "People have great stories, but turning them into motion pictures requires money. I have scripts ready, but securing funding is difficult,” he explains.

Wachira believes that the county government has a vital role to play. "We have discussed this with local leaders. Nakuru should set up a county film fund or grant scheme to support filmmakers. The potential is huge: when we premiered a local film, the public turnout was overwhelming,” he says.

Now semi-retired from producing, Wachira prefers to focus on acting and mentoring young creatives. “Acting knows no age limits,” he says with a smile. "I want to give space to young people who have the energy to create. My advice to them is to be consistent, collaborate, and take advantage of the opportunities that Nakuru still offers.”

Wachira recently featured in the Nakuru-produced film Shiku, which he describes as a refreshing and inspiring experience.  

“Being part of a fully local project reminded me of the untapped potential within Nakuru’s creative scene. The creatives behind the film demonstrated teamwork, dedication and passion,” he says.

For Wachira, Shiku represents a new chapter in Nakuru's filmmaking landscape, proving that, with collaboration and commitment, Nakuru could become a major film hub in Kenya.