Mwas, a young aspiring actor from upcountry Kenya dreams of becoming an accomplished actor one day, and in pursuit of this, he makes his way to Nairobi, the city of opportunity. He quickly understands why Nairobi is nicknamed Nairrobery as he is bereaved of all his money and belongings and left alone in a city where he doesn’t know a soul. Luck or the lack of it brings Mwas face to face with the city’s criminals and forms a friendship with a small time crook who takes him in. He is quickly drawn into a world of crime as he struggles to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. Keeping the two worlds separate proves to be a challenge for Mwas as he steps into this unknown world called Nairobi.
A young aspiring actor from a rural village travels to Nairobi with dreams of making it big in the city's theater scene. Upon arrival, he falls prey to a gang of robbers, losing everything he owns. Forced to adapt to survive, he becomes integrated into the criminal underworld, using his acting skills to impersonate others and facilitate their heists.
Nairobi Half Life was critically acclaimed for its gritty realism, compelling performances, and authentic portrayal of Nairobi's underbelly. It was praised for showcasing Kenyan talent and offering a fresh perspective on urban crime dramas, resonating with both local and international audiences.
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Selected as the Kenyan entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards. Won multiple awards at the Kalasha Awards, including Best Film and Best Actor.
The film's director, David 'Tosh' Gitonga, was inspired to make the movie after witnessing a real-life robbery in Nairobi.
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