Maina Wa Ndung'u

Maina wa Ndung'u was born in Embu, Kenya. He began his education at Embu County Primary School,{{Cite web |title=Embu County Primary School Municipality, Central - Embu |url=https://primaryschool.co.ke/embu/central-embu/municipality/embu-county-23560/ |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=primaryschool.co.ke |language=en}} later transferring to Lions Primary School in Embu. He completed his primary education at Hillside Junior Academy, a boarding school, before attending Siakago Boys High School and graduating from Kiburu Mixed School in Kerugoya.

In 2004, Maina moved to Nairobi to complete a bridging course at Augustana College on Thika Road. In 2005, he began studying for a diploma in Aeronautical Engineering at Trans-Eastern Airlines Aviation College, but left before graduating to pursue a career with Etihad Airlines, where he developed foundational knowledge that would later support his career in logistics and airline services.

Based in Nairobi, Maina is recognized for his versatile roles in Kenyan film{{Cite web |last=Ajon |first=Brian |date=2022-03-22 |title="Ungekua daktari": Kina actor Maina Wa Ndungu says parents doubted his career |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/447737-actor-maina-wa-ndungu-parents-question-career-asks-money-ulikataa-kuwa-daktari/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. |language=en}} and television, with notable appearances on platforms such as Netflix and Showmax. Known professionally as Maina wa Ndung'u, he has built a reputation for compelling performances across diverse genres while also contributing his voice and editing expertise to various international projects.

Maina wa Ndung'u has gained prominence in the Kenyan entertainment industry for his strong screen presence and emotional depth, earning acclaim for his work in various film and television projects. His performances include notable roles in the television series Kina{{Cite web |author=Staff Writer |date=2020-08-28 |title=Meet the cast of the hit drama series Kina |url=https://stories.showmax.com/ke/meet-the-cast-of-kina |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=Showmax Stories |language=en}} as Ezzy, produced by [https://www.zamaradi.co.ke/ Zamaradi Productions] and the critically acclaimed film 40 Sticks{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13483050/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm |title=40 Sticks (2020) - IMDb |access-date=2024-11-07 |via=www.imdb.com}}{{Cite web |title=KENYA FILM COMMISSION (KFC) HOSTS THE PREMIERE OF "40 STICKS" FEATURE FILM AHEAD OF ITS NETFLIX RELEASE – Kenya Film Commission |url=https://kenyafilmcommission.go.ke/news/kenya-film-commission-kfc-hosts-the-premiere-of-40-sticks-feature-film-ahead-of-its-netflix-release/ |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=kenyafilmcommission.go.ke}} as Driver. Maina's role in the film Volume{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30693412/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm |title=Volume (TV Series 2023– ) - IMDb |access-date=2024-11-07 |via=www.imdb.com}} as Maish wa mandai, produced by [https://primarypictures.co.ke/ Primary Pictures],{{Cite web |title=FILM/COMMERCIAL – PrimaryPictures |url=https://primarypictures.co.ke/film-commercial/ |access-date=2024-11-11 |language=en-US}} garnered widespread recognition, further establishing him as a dedicated and skilled actor. In 2023, he was awarded Best Actor at the 48 Hour Film Festival, highlighting his ability to bring complex characters to life.

In addition to acting, Maina is a talented voice-over artist, contributing to projects with companies such as Hiventy and TransPerfect Media France{{Cite web |date=2024-10-16 |title=Hiventy - technical audiovisual and cinematographic service provider |url=https://www.hiventy.com/?lang=en |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=Hiventy |language=en-US}} as a voice actor, dubbing artist, and film editor. His versatility has allowed him to work on a variety of projects, from narration to character dubbing, expanding his influence in both local and international media. Maina has appeared in numerous TV commercials for prominent brands, including [https://www.stanbicbank.co.ke/kenya/personal/about-us Stanbic Bank], [https://www.isuzu.co.ke/ Isuzu], Brookside Milk, and Safaricom's "Lipa na M-Pesa" campaign.

Before focusing exclusively on the entertainment industry, Maina built a career in logistics and customer service. From 2007 to 2009, he worked as a flight attendant with Etihad Airlines, where he developed strong communication and customer service skills, which have continued to inform his professional success. Later, he transitioned into logistics management with Twisttruck Transporters, where he oversaw cross-border logistics operations across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, emphasizing safety and operational efficiency.

Maina is multilingual, fluent in English and Swahili, with native proficiency in Kikuyu and additional knowledge of Kenyan languages including Embu, Mbeere, Kamba, and Meru. His linguistic versatility and commitment to authenticity have enriched his work in film and voice-over projects, enabling him to connect with a wide range of audiences.

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Category:1982 births

Category:Living people

Category:Kenyan male actors

Category:People from Embu County

Category:Kenyan photographers