Over the years, there's been negative talk surrounding Kenya's film industry with some critics citing stagnancy or stunted growth.

However, recently, we've witnessed the premiering of numerous Kenyan films that beg to differ.

One such film is Mpakani: Story of the North, which just premiered on Netflix.

Read: 24-year-old Zawadi Njoroge shares her journey as an actress

The 10-episode series follows the life and challenges of a Special Intervention Unit (SIU) deployed to Wajir to intercept the notorious Burhaan, who's planning a major terrorist attack on Nairobi.

To stop Burhaan, the team of six reports to a Rural Border Patrol Unit (RBPU) base at the Kenya/Somalia border, where they have to work with existing officers.

One of the base's existing officers is Sergeant Kasira, played by Nakuru's own Jemima Asango.

Jemima, whose character is initially sceptical of the SIU's prowess, is introduced to us in episode two and doesn't make a major appearance up until episode six when she begins to play an integral role in the action-drama series.

Also Read: Nakuru creatives hopeful as County theatre fiesta draws to a close

A couple of things impressed me in regards to the film some of them being the film's impressive directing, cinematography and engrossing storyline.

Another thing that I enjoyed is the cast's acting skills not to mention Jemima's own.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Jemimah's long term friend Simor Music helped give insight into who Jemimah is when the camera's turn off.

"I actually became friends with Jemimah back when we were both in high school. Back then, I even had a slight crush on her," Simor notes with a slight chuckle.

According to Simor, Jemima actually began acting back in high school after a push from her parents.

He shares, "Jemima actually comes from an artistic family so it was no surprise when she began frequenting the Nakuru Player's Theatre back in 2016, where she polished her acting skills even further.

As her skills grew, so did her appetite and dream to be on the screens.

To achieve it, Jemima would audition for several roles in a day without fail.

Simor Music additionally notes, "If I had to describe Jemima, I'd say she is a no nonsense and ambitious woman. I am happy to see her achieve her dreams given how hard she has worked."

While playing Sergeant Kasira, Jemima Andeso gets to act alongside notable Kenyan actors.

Some of them are Bilal Mwaura (Uradi, Villains of the Metropolis), Brian Abajah (Second Family, Sincerely Daisy), legendary actor George Mo(recently featured in Pepeta), Claude Zatara (My Two Wives) and directors/actor Michael Munyoki (known for recently directing Click Click Bang).

Jemima Andeso on set for Visasi where she plays Fei

Photo credit: COURTESY

Apart from her role at Mpakani, another major recent project is Visasi, which airs on Show max, where Jemima plays Fei.

It's truly beautiful and inspiring to see Nakuru's own talent rock our screens and air on some of Kenya's big streaming sites.

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Yo, Nakuru's Jemima Asango is on Mpakani series!

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Diligence Odongo