Vincent Mbaya

Biography

Vincent Mbaya is a Kenyan director and cinematographer with over 15 years in the film and television industry. He began his creative journey as a stage actor in Nairobi, which led to a small role in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life (2003). This experience sparked his passion for filmmaking. Without access to formal film education, he gained hands-on experience through workshops and on-set roles, eventually rising from a set runner to director at The Mediae Company. Mbaya has directed and shot a variety of projects, including documentaries, commercials, and TV series. Notably, he directed Country Queen, Netflix’s first Kenyan-branded series, and Pepeta, Showmax’s first fully Kenyan original. His feature film Chaguo (2022) received multiple nominations and was acquired by Netflix. In 2024, he ventured into comedy with Sketchy Africans (Sketchy AF!), aiming to blend humor with relatable storytelling. His cinematography credits include Waithira (2017), and he has worked on international productions like The Fearless Chef for Nat Geo. Mbaya is known for his collaborative approach and commitment to authentic African narratives.