This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
On August 14, 2019, Nyce Wanjeri, a renowned Kenyan film and television actress, shared her experiences with the challenges faced by thespians in the local film industry.
Wanjeri, who has appeared in popular shows such as 'Auntie Boss,' revealed that thespians are often underpaid due to the lack of binding contracts. She explained that employers may promise a certain amount, but only pay a fraction of it, leaving the actor with little choice but to accept the lower amount.
'Since you never wrote it down on paper, it was only by word of mouth, who will you tell you were never paid? They said they'll pay you Sh5, 000 and they give you Sh2, 000, who will you tell?' Wanjeri said in an interview.
Wanjeri also spoke about the difficulties faced by actors who do not have access to transportation, making it challenging for them to attend shoots on short notice. She shared an example of how some employers expect actors to show up for a shoot without prior communication, leaving them to find their own way.
'Some of them don't even care, you have to find your way. Not that they are paying you that much. By the end of the day, the money I'll go home with after counting all my days' costs out of the possible Sh5, 000 pay, I'll go home with Sh1, 500,' Wanjeri explained.
Wanjeri also confirmed that there is sexual solicitation of female thespians in the industry, with some employers making unwanted advances. She emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and earning respect from colleagues to avoid such situations.
