By:Gadiel Satin
StarTimes has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenya's creative industry with the launch of Sura ya Pili, a new locally produced television drama that will premiere on Rembo TV on Monday, July 6, 2026.
The series, created, directed and produced by acclaimed filmmaker Bill John Sifuani, will air every Monday to Friday at 8:00 p.m. on Rembo TV (StarTimes Channels 113 and 484).
The launch marks another milestone in StarTimes' continued investment in local content, underscoring the broadcaster's commitment to working with Kenyan actors, producers, writers and storytellers to produce authentic stories that resonate with audiences across the country.
The production boasts a strong local cast led by musician-turned-actress Jovial Ayub, who plays the lead character Ziada. She is joined by Anita Wawuda as Olive, Gibson Ausa as Sam, Ivy Wanjiku as Shani and Michael Saruni as Hamza. Together, the cast brings to life a compelling story that explores love, betrayal, resilience, family relationships and the everyday struggles faced by many Kenyans.
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Speaking during the launch, StarTimes Kenya Marketing Director Tamima Ibrahim said the broadcaster remains deliberate in supporting locally produced content while creating sustainable opportunities for Kenyan creatives across different parts of the country.
"If you look at this production, we are not doing it as StarTimes. We have outsourced it. We are here in Nairobi, but the production is happening in Mombasa," she said.
Tamima noted that partnering with an independent production team in Mombasa reflects StarTimes' broader vision of growing Kenya's creative economy by investing in local talent wherever it exists rather than concentrating opportunities in one region.
She said the company believes creativity thrives across the country and that productions such as Sura ya Pili demonstrate the importance of empowering filmmakers outside Nairobi.
According to her, collaborations with independent producers not only enrich television programming but also create employment opportunities for actors, scriptwriters, directors, cinematographers, editors, makeup artists, costume designers and the many other professionals involved in television production.
She emphasized that StarTimes' commitment to local content is part of a wider vision that has guided the broadcaster since it entered the African market.
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"StarTimes is not a new brand. It is an established brand that has remained committed not just in Kenya but across the continent, making sure that we bring digital entertainment into every home," she said.
"That is why even in our campaign, 'Bei Chini, Burudani Juu,' we aim to be the most accessible provider of pay-TV entertainment."
Tamima further revealed that StarTimes is embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of its evolving content strategy to improve production workflows, audience engagement and content distribution.
She, however, emphasized that AI is intended to support rather than replace human creativity.
According to her, the broadcaster views AI as a tool that can make production more efficient while allowing creatives to focus on storytelling, innovation and artistic expression.
She reiterated that Kenyan storytellers will remain at the heart of the company's productions, adding that authentic local stories can only be told by people who understand the country's culture, values and lived experiences.
The production of Sura ya Pili was spearheaded by filmmaker Bill John Sifuani, who serves as the series' creator, director and producer. His collaboration with StarTimes represents another example of the broadcaster's strategy of partnering with independent Kenyan production houses to expand opportunities within the local film and television industry.
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Beyond delivering quality entertainment, the partnership is expected to contribute to the growth of Kenya's creative economy by supporting local productions capable of competing with international content while maintaining a distinct Kenyan identity.
The launch of Sura ya Pili also reinforces StarTimes' growing portfolio of locally produced programming, an area that has become increasingly important as audiences continue to embrace homegrown stories told through familiar settings, relatable characters and authentic cultural experiences.
Through collaborations with experienced Kenyan producers, directors and writers, the broadcaster aims to strengthen the country's film and television industry while giving viewers high-quality entertainment that reflects Kenyan realities.
