Sheila Munyiva is a Kenyan actress, filmmaker, and activist known for her influential presence in African cinema. Born on March 27, 1993, in Nairobi, she gained international recognition for starring in the 2018 film Rafiki, the first Kenyan film showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. Munyiva’s creative endeavors extend to directing and social advocacy, focusing on empowering underserved communities in Kenya.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Sheila Munyiva |
| Date of Birth | March 27, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| State of Origin | Nairobi (Kenya’s capital city) |
| Relatives | Mother (lives in the UK), supportive grandmother |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | At least two children |
| Occupations | Actress, Film Director, Voice Actor, Theatre Performer, Activist |
| Net Worth | $250,000-$400,000 |
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Nairobi, Munyiva spent part of her childhood visiting her mother who lived in the United Kingdom. Influenced by television shows like Hannah Montana, she developed an early interest in storytelling.
Initially training to become a news anchor during her college years, she later switched her major to Film Production. After graduation, she enhanced her skills by attending scriptwriting masterclasses, deepening her passion for filmmaking.
Career
Munyiva made her acting debut in Rafiki (2018) as Ziki Okemi, portraying one half of a same-sex couple navigating love amidst Kenya’s conservative society. Despite initial reservations about the role due to the country’s laws, she embraced the project, which made history at Cannes.
She went on to star as medical officer Anna in Netflix’s Country Queen (2019) and played Sarafina in the Sarafina! musical stage production in Nairobi.
In 2023, she provided voice acting for Shiro in Disney+’s African animated anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. Her recent work includes the short film Goat (2025), directed by Judy Kibinge.
Apart from acting, Munyiva has directed several Kenyan commercials and is developing her first feature film centered on a young East African girl giving birth to an albino child, exploring cultural beliefs and survival. She mentors girls in Nairobi’s Kibera slums and supports PadMad, an initiative addressing period poverty by providing reusable sanitary pads and education.
Personal Life
Sheila Munyiva balances her career with motherhood and actively shares her homeschooling journey with her children through social media. She has at least two children and is dedicated to nurturing them at home while continuing her creative pursuits.
Net Worth
Sheila Munyiva’s estimated net worth as of 2025 is approximately $250,000 to $400,000. This estimate reflects her multifaceted career as an actress known for her groundbreaking role in the film Rafiki, as well as her work in television, theater, voice acting, directing commercials, and activism.
Filmography
| Year | Project | Role/Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Rafiki | Ziki Okemi (Actress) | Breakthrough role; Cannes premiere |
| 2018 | L’invité (TV Series) | Cast Member | Television work |
| 2019 | Country Queen (Netflix) | Anna (Medical Officer) | Six episodes |
| 2019 | Sarafina! (Theatre) | Sarafina | Stage musical in Nairobi |
| 2023 | Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire | Shiro (Voice) | Disney+ African animated anthology |
| 2025 | Goat (Short Film) | Cast Member | Directed by Judy Kibinge |
| TBD | Ngao (Short Film) | Director/Writer | Based on her childhood experiences |
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2019 Africa Movie Academy Awards for Rafiki.
- Featured by Vogue UK for her appearance at Cannes in 2018.
- Acknowledged for her contributions to African queer cinema and advocacy.
- Participated in multiple international film festivals, including the Sydney and Melbourne Queer Film Festivals.
