Mother-In-Law Actor Ras Decries Low Pay in Kenya’s Film Industry: “Paid Like Extras”
- John Githui, better known as Ras, echoed Ted Kitana’s frustrations, saying that Kenyan performers earn little
- He noted that a South African producer was shocked by the figures shared during their conversation
- The comparison sparked debate, with many Kenyans lamenting the harsh realities of fame without financial reward
Former Mother-In-Law actor Ras has joined the long list of actors who have decried the low pay Kenyan actors receive.
Source: Youtube
For instance, former Tahidi High actor Ted Kitana, popularly known as Kilunda, revealed his decision to step away from the acting scene and embrace a quieter life.
He rose to fame through Tahidi High, becoming widely recognised, but later realised that the career was not as rewarding as many had imagined.
The pay was low, and he no longer found the role fulfilling. Eventually, he opted out by sending a message declining to appear.
Are Kenyan actors underpaid compared to South Africans?
In an interview with TV47, Ras echoed Kilunda’s comments. According to Ras, the realisation dawned on him after meeting a producer from South Africa.
“I had the pleasure of sitting with a line producer from Africa. She heard us complaining about being mishandled on Kenyan sets,” he explained.
The producer asked Ras how much the top-paid Kenyan actors receive per episode they film.
"I told her the best-paid actors get KSh 40,000," he said.
According to Ras, she laughed heartily before telling him;
"I can put up a production house in Kenya and pay the main actors the same amount I pay extras in South Africa."
Ras said that the producer informed him that an extra in South Africa gets over KSh 100,000 per episode.
“The top actors are paid even less than extras in South Africa,” he remarked.
His comments elicited mixed reactions from fans, with some calling for improved pay for actors:
Mmangawakodu:
“The film industry in SA is the most modern in Africa.”
anko_best_furniture:
"It hurts a lot."
brianteddyodhiambo:
"Wueh!!! This is torture for actors."
zullypepe:
"You can never compare the production and quality of SA and 🇰🇪. Some shows have been there for 30 years, like generations."
neriahsafarisandadventure:
"But honestly, it's time we start appreciating our own!! In Kenya, being famous and poor has been the norm. It's high time."
Did Miss Morgan lose weight?
Source: UGC
In other news, Angela Waruinge, famously known as Miss Morgan from the defunct TV show Tahidi High, resurfaced and stirred conversations online over her drastic transformation.
She once portrayed a strict teacher, earning admiration from fans, but her new look left many surprised.
Angela revealed that life took a difficult turn during the COVID-19 pandemic after losing her job.
Struggling with depression and turning to alcohol, she faced moments of despair before seeking help from her mother, who supported her recovery.
She has since reflected on her choices, admitting she might have pursued a different career. While some praised her new appearance, others voiced concern about her well-being and past struggles.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
