At 28, Ann Kibunja carries a quiet confidence shaped by years of sacrifice, faith, and an unshakable love for storytelling. Born and raised in Naivasha and now based in Nakuru, Ann is an actress, singer, and filmmaker whose journey into the creative arts began long before she understood what the spotlight truly meant.

‎“I started acting in 2008 when I was just 11 years old. It was during drama festivals in church,” she recalls.

‎A Catholic by faith, Ann says the church gave her not only a spiritual foundation but also her earliest training in acting. Her first-ever role was Cinderella, a performance that earned her a Best Actress award.

‎‎At the time, however, the recognition felt ordinary. “I didn’t understand the weight of that award then,” she says. “I was just a child having fun on stage.”

‎‎That sense of aliveness never left her. Even as she grew older and explored other paths, acting kept calling her back.

‎‎“Every time I was on stage or on set, I felt alive. Whenever I pursued other things, I felt empty. I would crave being back on stage again,” she says.

‎‎In 2019, Ann moved to Nakuru, a transition that would significantly shape her artistic growth. She encountered creatives who sharpened her craft and fellow actors who affirmed her talent.

‎‎“The people I met here helped me become confident in my gift,” she notes.

‎‎However, the journey was anything but smooth. Ann speaks candidly about the cost of choosing acting in an industry that often offers little security.

‎‎She has lost jobs, resigned from positions that paid her bills, and turned down enticing offers, all in pursuit of her calling.

‎‎“I have acted while very sick,” she says. “I would take a break to go get medication, then go back on stage.”

‎‎There were nights she slept on a friend’s place just to make it to an early shoot. There were also painful moments of rejection.

‎‎“I was once turned away by a friend at my lowest,” she recalls. “I went for the same audition two days in a row from morning to evening. At some point, I was pushed aside like I was nobody and I didn’t even get the part.”

‎‎Yet, through it all, her faith remained her anchor. “I always remember the promises of God and how it feels to be on set performing,” she says. “Acting for me is life. I know where I want to be, and since I’m not there yet, I can’t give up now.”

‎‎That conviction was tested in what she describes as one of the lowest moments of her life. Having decided to quit acting and focus on work and bills, Ann instead lost her job that very day.

Ann Kibunja poses for a photo

Photo credit: COURTESY

‎‎Confused, heartbroken, and uncertain of her next step, she unexpectedly landed a role in the Nakuru-produced film Shiku.

‎‎“I didn’t expect it at all,” she says. “I thought I’d just audition and someone else would be picked. But God had other plans.” She describes the moment as divine confirmation. “It was like God was asking me, ‘Ulikuwa unaacha kuact uende wapi?’”

‎‎In Shiku, Ann plays a dreamer and aspiring filmmaker navigating love, tradition, and identity. The role resonated deeply with her.

‎‎“I felt so attached to the character,” she explains. “I had to do research to get the emotions right. It opened a part of me as an actor that I had locked away.”

‎‎Her preparation process is intensely personal. “Huwa najiita kamkutano,” she says with a laugh. From rehearsing lines in the shower to practicing emotions in front of a mirror or silently breaking down on the road mid-walk, Ann fully immerses herself in her roles.

‎‎Despite her passion, she acknowledges the industry’s harsh realities, limited opportunities, typecasting, exploitation, and inconsistent work.

‎‎Still, she views rejection differently. “It reminds me that someone else got the chance and the fact that I auditioned is already a milestone,” she says.

‎‎Inspired by actors such as Sarah Hassan, Sandra Bullock, Aamir Khan, and Jackie Appiah, Ann dreams of starring in globally recognized Nakuru films, national productions, and eventually breaking into the international scene. One day, she hopes to headline an action film.

‎‎Ultimately, her definition of success is deeply personal. “To me, success is being where I want to be, doing what I love,” she says. “It’s not about recognition, but relevance and purpose.”

‎‎And the legacy she hopes to leave is clear: “I want to be remembered as an actress who took Nakuru stories seriously and with intentionality. Through me, a generation will walk into their purpose with courage.”

‎‎For Ann, acting is no accident it is destiny. “You don’t love acting by mistake,” she says. “It’s what you were born to do.”

‎muthoniw813@gmail.com

From job loss to stardom: ‘Shiku’ actress Ann Kibunja opens p on her journey

Author Spotlight

Muthoni Wanjiku