Phoebe Ruguru is a celebrated Kenyan film producer, director, and commissioning editor whose work has left a lasting mark on the African film landscape. Born in 1997, she rose to prominence after producing the acclaimed film “18 Hours,” which made history by winning Best Overall Movie in Africa at the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). This achievement was a first for Kenya and solidified Ruguru’s reputation as a pioneering force in African cinema.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Phoebe Ruguru |
| Date of Birth | 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Nakuru, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Film producer, director, writer |
| Net Worth | $200,000 – $500,000 |
Early Life and Education
Phoebe Ruguru was born in Nakuru, Kenya, in 1997. After her parents’ separation, she moved with her mother to Limuru.
Her early education began at Sunflower nursery school, followed by Gramabe Academy in Kabuku, Limuru. She later attended St. Peter’s Girls Boarding School in Elburgon, Molo, before moving to Brook Hill Academy.
At the age of 11, Phoebe relocated to England, where she continued her studies.
In the UK, she completed her A-Levels at the King’s School (The Cathedral) in Peterborough. She then enrolled at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, where she earned a BA in International Relations and Anthropology.
Her academic interests were shaped by her passion for cultural understanding, female empowerment, and social development, culminating in her graduation in July 2018.
Career
Ruguru’s filmmaking journey began early. At just 17, she became the first Kenyan to win an international film award, taking home the “Best Young Filmmaker” prize at the Unchosen Modern Day Slavery Competition in London for her short film “Saidia” (Help), which tackled the issue of human trafficking.
Remarkably, she shot the film entirely on an iPhone 4s, showcasing her creativity and determination.
Beyond film, Ruguru is known for her advocacy work, particularly in women’s rights and leadership.
At 18, she was invited to speak at the UK House of Lords during International Girl Child Day, where she addressed female leadership.
Her efforts have earned her several international accolades, including the Young Achiever’s Award at both the Women4Africa Awards in London (2016) and the African Women in Europe Conference in Geneva (2015).
Ruguru’s career soared with the release of “18 Hours” in 2017, a film she produced alongside Bill Afwani and directed by Njue Kevin under Rocque Pictures. The movie, which follows a paramedic’s ordeal with a road accident victim, received critical acclaim and won multiple awards at the 2018 AMVCA, including Best Overall Movie in Africa and Best East African Film.
In 2021, Ruguru became a Commissioning Editor at Multichoice, working on the Maisha Magic Movies channel.
Over three years, she licensed over a thousand movies and commissioned more than a hundred films, many by first-time producers.
Her efforts greatly expanded East African film production and fostered collaboration across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. She left Multichoice in July 2024 to pursue new ventures.
Personal Life
Phoebe Ruguru keeps her personal life private, focusing on her professional projects and advocacy.
Her experiences living in both Kenya and the UK have shaped her global outlook and commitment to empowering women and supporting emerging filmmakers.
Phoebe Ruguru Net Worth
Phoebe Ruguru’s exact net worth has not been made public. However, given her accomplishments as a film producer, director, and commissioning editor—particularly following the success of “18 Hours” and her work with Multichoice—her net worth in 2025 is likely estimated to be between $200,000 and $500,000.
This figure reflects her impact and growing influence in the African film industry.
Filmography
Producer/Executive Producer
- Saidia (Help) (2014) – Short film (also director)
- Intellectual Scum (2015) – Short film (co-producer)
- Deranged (2015) – Short film
- Plastic Maasai (2016) – Short film
- 18 Hours (2017) – Feature film
- Safari (2022) – Feature film
- Namuddu (2022) – Executive producer
- Baba Twins (2021) – Commissioning editor
- Run Mary Run (2023) – Executive producer
- Maid of Honor (2023) – Executive producer
- The Lions of Buganda (2023) – Commissioning editor
Director
- Saidia (Help) (2014)
Writer
- Clutch Control (rumored)
Awards and Recognitions
Phoebe Ruguru has received numerous honors for her work:
Film Awards
- 2014: Best Young Filmmaker – Unchosen Modern Day Slavery Competition, London (“Saidia”)
- 2018: Best Overall Movie in Africa – AMVCA (“18 Hours”)
- 2018: Best East African Film – AMVCA (“18 Hours”)
Leadership and Advocacy
- 2015: Young Achiever’s Award – African Women in Europe Conference, Geneva
- 2016: Young Achiever’s Award – Women4Africa Awards, London
- 2015: Invited speaker – House of Lords, UK, International Girl Child Day
Achievements
- First Kenyan to win an international film award (2014)
- First Kenyan film to win Best Overall Movie in Africa at the AMVCA
- Recognized as a leading young achiever in international forums
Phoebe Ruguru’s journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and dedication to both filmmaking and social change. She continues to inspire a new generation of African creatives and advocates for gender equality across the continent.
