Watching cartoons as a child inspired Mary Wanjiku to dream big, but today, she is one of Kenya’s rising animation entrepreneurs.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary quit her full-time job and became an animation intern to pursue her passion.
“I wanted to tell my own stories.”
Mary co-founded Studio M&A to create original African animation and showcase local stories to global audiences.
Kenya’s Animation Industry Is Growing
Kenya’s animation sector is expanding, with more studios producing high-quality African content despite funding challenges.
Animator Irwin Waweru says Mary’s mentorship helped him launch his career.
“Just start. Keep your curiosity and never stop learning.”
Women Are Leading Change
Industry experts say more women are becoming producers, scriptwriters, animation managers and studio leaders.
Creative organisations receive hundreds of funding requests each year, but only a small percentage of projects receive support.
Mary hopes her journey will encourage young Africans to pursue careers in animation and tell stories that reflect their own cultures.
