Set against the backdrop of daily survival, the series follows characters as they juggle love, identity, spirituality, crime and the almighty shilling with a mix of intensity and humour.
Breaking away from the conventional TV mould, ‘Dust’ embraces the vertical storytelling format, a style that has already taken Asia and North America by storm, making it fresh, relatable and ideal for today’s mobile-first audiences.
With a talented cast that includes Jeff Omondi, Stacy Wakesho, Kieran Popo, Joan Kenduywa, Tim King’oo and Robert Agengo, the series does not just entertain; it mirrors the realities of an entire generation.
From Franco (Omondi) to Morio Ngori (King’oo), ‘Dust’ is a ballad to the unemployed, the dreamers, the hustlers and anyone carving out their place in a system that often feels unyielding.
Currently streaming on Instagram via the Hello Africa Network, ‘Dust’ is more than just a show; it’s a conversation starter, a mirror to society and an ode to Kenyan youth navigating survival with humour, faith and resilience.
For Isaboke, the inspiration behind Dust was deeply rooted in the realities of today’s economy.
“What inspired ‘Dust’ was the slowdown in traditional industry operations that saw so many industry practitioners rush for the same gigs,” he says.
“The show was born out of the current economic struggle of all classes. The struggle for the almighty shilling is the premise. Tuliamua tufanye mambo.”
At its heart, the series is a story of survival, depicting the everyday struggles of Kenyan youth trying to make something of themselves despite the odds.
Franco, played by Jeff Omondi, and Morio Ngori, portrayed by Tim King’oo, drive the narrative.
Both characters embody the frustrations, creativity and determination of young Kenyans striving to make ends meet. Their lives, though fictionalised, mirror countless stories from the streets of Nairobi.
WHY ONLINE, NOT TV?
While many creators still look to traditional TV for distribution, Isaboke chose a different route.
“I opted to go online because that’s where most millennials and Gen Z are spending their time as opposed to traditional media, which has been slowly dying off and losing its lustre, especially with the younger audience, with poor programming overall,” he says.
By going digital, ‘Dust’ taps into an audience already accustomed to scrolling, streaming and sharing, making its bite-sized episodes ideal for quick moments of reflection during traffic, office breaks or even right before bed.
Kenya’s digital entertainment scene has grown rapidly, but ‘Dust’ stands out for its unique approach.
“Dust follows the traditional format of TV storytelling, just adopted for online vertical watching to boost the viewers’ experience and comfort [on phone]. It has a proper flow of events and is suitable for short watches,” Isaboke says.
This fusion of traditional narrative structure with modern delivery creates an engaging viewing experience that feels both familiar and innovative.
MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS
Behind the polished final product is a story of passion, sacrifice and collaboration. Isaboke says the project was entirely self-funded.
“I funded the production personally, but the heavy lifting was done by the amazing cast and crew who gave their time and love,” he says.
“It’s just a product of amazing, all-hearted collaboration among peers.”
Shot across different Nairobi locations, the series thrives on authenticity, showing the city in all its raw, bustling and unpredictable beauty.
More than entertainment, ‘Dust’ is intended to spark meaningful discussions.
“The series explores the economic and social perspective of every youth, no matter the geographical location, who is trying to make something of themselves,” Isaboke says with a smile.
“It is a story of survival. It is an ode to the Kenyan youth. Alafu tu ni tamu kucheki.”
By blending humour with hardship, spirituality with survival and identity with hustle, ‘Dust’ goes beyond storytelling; it becomes a reflection of Kenya’s pulse.
For Nyakundi Isaboke, it is not just another web series; it is a cultural statement, a tribute and a reminder that even in the dust of struggle, hope and resilience shine through.
Now streaming on Instagram via Hello Africa Network, ‘Dust’ is proof that Kenyan stories told authentically and innovatively will always find an audience.
