Maina Wa Ndung'u
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Maina wa Ndung'u | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Peter Maina Ndung'u 26 November 1982 Embu, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Citizenship | Kenyan |
| Education | Trans-Eastern Airlines Aviation College |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2013–present |
| Children | 3 |
Maina wa Ndung'u (born November 26, 1982), also known as Peter Maina Ndung'u, is a Kenyan actor, voice over artist, cinematographer, photographer, and film editor, as well as a logistics expert.[1][2]
Early life
[edit]Maina wa Ndung'u was born in Embu, Kenya. He began his education at Embu County Primary School,[3] later transferring to Lions Primary School in Embu. He completed his primary education at Hillside Junior Academy, a boarding school, before attending Siakago Boys High School and graduating from Kiburu Mixed School in Kerugoya.
In 2004, Maina moved to Nairobi to complete a bridging course at Augustana College on Thika Road. In 2005,He began studying for a diploma in Aeronautical Engineering at Trans-Eastern Airlines Aviation College, but left before graduating to pursue a career with Etihad Airlines, where he developed foundational knowledge that would later support his career in logistics and airline services.
Acting and Film Career
[edit]Based in Nairobi, Maina is recognized for his versatile roles in Kenyan film[4] and television, with notable appearances on platforms such as Netflix and Showmax. Known professionally as Maina wa Ndung'u, he has built a reputation for compelling performances across diverse genres while also contributing his voice and editing expertise to various international projects.
Maina wa Ndung'u has gained prominence in the Kenyan entertainment industry for his strong screen presence and emotional depth, earning acclaim for his work in various film and television projects. His performances include notable roles in the television series Kina[5] as Ezzy, produced by Zamaradi Productions and the critically acclaimed film 40 Sticks[6][7] as Driver. Maina's role in the film Volume[8] as Maish wa mandai, produced by Primary Pictures,[9] garnered widespread recognition, further establishing him as a dedicated and skilled actor. In 2023, he was awarded Best Actor at the 48 Hour Film Festival, highlighting his ability to bring complex characters to life.
In addition to acting, Maina is a talented voice-over artist, contributing to projects with companies such as Hiventy and TransPerfect Media France[10] as a voice actor, dubbing artist, and film editor. His versatility has allowed him to work on a variety of projects, from narration to character dubbing, expanding his influence in both local and international media. Maina has appeared in numerous TV commercials for prominent brands, including Stanbic Bank, Isuzu, Brookside Milk, and Safaricom's "Lipa na M-Pesa" campaign.
Additional Career and Skills
[edit]Before focusing exclusively on the entertainment industry, Maina built a career in logistics and customer service. From 2007 to 2009, he worked as a flight attendant with Etihad Airlines, where he developed strong communication and customer service skills, which have continued to inform his professional success. Later, he transitioned into logistics management with Twisttruck Transporters, where he oversaw cross-border logistics operations across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, emphasizing safety and operational efficiency.
Language Proficiency
[edit]Maina is multilingual, fluent in English and Swahili, with native proficiency in Kikuyu and additional knowledge of Kenyan languages including Embu, Mbeere, Kamba, and Meru. His linguistic versatility and commitment to authenticity have enriched his work in film and voice-over projects, enabling him to connect with a wide range of audiences.
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Adulting, Dam | Voice Actor | Dubbing |
| 2024 | 4Play (coming soon) | Edu | Series |
| 2023 | Volume | Maish | Series |
| 2019–2022 | Kina | Ezzy | TV Series |
| 2019 | Corrupted Dreams | Dennis Onyango | Short film |
| 2019 | 40 Sticks | Kinuthia | Feature film |
| 2019 | Plan B | Doctor | Film |
| 2018 | Nganya | Gathee | TV Series |
| 2017 | Nganya | Gathee | TV Series |
| 2016 | Uriru wa Wendo | Arnold | Series |
| 2016 | Jane & Abel | Doctor | Series |
| 2016 | Get some money | Kayafa | Feature film |
| 2016 | Love matters | Ronald | Web Series |
| 2016 | Gereji matata | Jamo | Film |
| 2016 | Dada | Roba | Film |
| 2015 | Pendo | Mariko | Series |
| 2014 | Urembo | Bruno | Series |
| 2014 | Perfect imperfections | Brian | Film |
| 2014 | Counselor | Hotel Manager | Film |
| 2014 | Crazies | Mike | Film |
| 2014 | 29 | Ben | Film |
| 2013 | Mabeshte | Assistant cult leader | Tv series |
| 2014 | Mother in law | Cop | Tv series |
| 2013 | Samaritans[11] | Office attendant | Tv Series |
| 2013 | Prem | Architect | Tv Series |
| 2013 | Jane & Abel | Doctor | Tv Series |
| 2013 | Mama Duka | John | Mini Series |
References
[edit]- ^ "Maina wa Ndungu – Biography & Films". Filamu. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
- ^ "Film industry hit by corona — actor Maina wa Ndungu". The Star. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
- ^ "Embu County Primary School Municipality, Central - Embu". primaryschool.co.ke. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ^ Ajon, Brian (2022-03-22). ""Ungekua daktari": Kina actor Maina Wa Ndungu says parents doubted his career". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ^ Writer, Staff (2020-08-28). "Meet the cast of the hit drama series Kina". Showmax Stories. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ^ 40 Sticks (2020) - IMDb. Retrieved 2024-11-07 – via www.imdb.com.
- ^ "KENYA FILM COMMISSION (KFC) HOSTS THE PREMIERE OF "40 STICKS" FEATURE FILM AHEAD OF ITS NETFLIX RELEASE – Kenya Film Commission". kenyafilmcommission.go.ke. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ Volume (TV Series 2023– ) - IMDb. Retrieved 2024-11-07 – via www.imdb.com.
- ^ "FILM/COMMERCIAL – PrimaryPictures". Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ "Hiventy - technical audiovisual and cinematographic service provider". Hiventy. 2024-10-16. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ^ "The first Kenyan mockumentary about NGO's". africasacountry.com. 2024-11-11. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
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