Who Is Wanuri Kahiu? Age, Biography and Wiki
Wanuri Kahiu, born on June 21, 1980, in Nairobi, Kenya, is a prominent film director, producer, and writer known for her impactful storytelling and creative vision. Kahiu made her mark in the film industry with notable works like Rafiki, which garnered international attention for its bold narrative and representation of LGBTQ+ themes in Kenya. As of 2025, she is 44 years old, continuing to influence the African film landscape with her innovative approach and dedication to storytelling.
| Occupation | Directors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 21, 1980 |
| Age | 45 Years |
| Birth Place | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Kenya |
Popularity
Wanuri Kahiu's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Wanuri Kahiu stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and weighs around 130 lbs (59 kg). Her measurements are not publicly disclosed, but she maintains a healthy and active lifestyle that reflects her dynamic personality and artistic lifestyle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Details regarding Wanuri Kahiu's family life remain relatively private. As for her dating status, Wanuri has been known to keep her personal relationships out of the public eye. However, as of 2025, it is speculated that she is romantically linked to a fellow creative from the film industry, though no official confirmation has been made. Wanuri's focus continues to be on her career and contributing to the arts.
Though she grew up in an extended family that included creatives, the filmmaker described herself as a black sheep to her more traditional leaning parents: her father, a businessman and her mother a doctor, one of the first female pediatricians in the Nairobi region.
Net Worth and Salary
As one of Kenya's leading filmmakers, Wanuri Kahiu's estimated net worth in 2025 is around $2 million. Her earnings stem from various sources, including film production, grants for artistic endeavors, and speaking engagements. Kahiu's successes with critically acclaimed projects have also led to increased income opportunities in the global film market.
Career, Business and Investments
Kahiu's career took off after her short films received significant accolades in international film festivals. With a passion for exploring diverse narratives, she transitioned into feature films with works like Rafiki, which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival. Apart from filmmaking, she is actively involved in initiatives aimed at supporting budding filmmakers in Africa. Her recent projects are reported to include both narrative films and documentaries that highlight social issues prevalent in society. Wanuri is also known for investing in local arts programs and mentoring young filmmakers to nurture talent in her home country.
Wanuri Kahiu (born 21 June 1980) is a Kenyan film director, producer, and author. She is considered to be “one of Africa's most aspiring directors, being part of a new, vibrant crop of talents representing contemporary African culture”.
She has received multipe awards and nominations including for Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Picture at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2009 for her dramatic feature film From a Whisper. She is also the co-founder of AFROBUBBLEGUM, a media collective dedicated to supporting African art for its own sake.
Social Network
Wanuri Kahiu actively engages with her fans and followers through various social media platforms. You can find her on:
- Instagram - where she shares behind-the-scenes looks at her projects and personal insights.
- Twitter - for updates and commentary on film industry trends.
- Facebook - where she interacts with her audience and promotes her work.
Ras Star (2006) is Kahiu's first short narrative film. It tells the story of Amani, a teenager living with his Islamic aunt and uncle in Nairobi who dreams of being a rapper, and secretly practices for a local talent show. Instead, he and his brother get pulled into crime.
Education
Wanuri Kahiu pursued her higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she earned a degree in Film and Television. Her academic background has significantly influenced her distinct narrative style and comprehensive understanding of the film industry.
Kahiu attended the University of Warwick in England and received a BSc degree in Management science. In 2001 she obtained a Masters of Fine Arts degree in production and directing at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Theatre, Film and Television.
