From Nairobi’s vibrant streets to Netflix’s global boardrooms, Dorothy Ghettuba-Pala has built a career that proves African stories are not only worth telling but worthy of the world’s stage. Born and raised in Kenya, she has become one of the most powerful advocates for African storytelling in the global media industry. What makes her story even more compelling is the way she has bridged continents, studying and working abroad, then returning home with a clear vision to elevate African voices. Today, she stands as a cultural force whose work continues to redefine how Africa is seen and celebrated across the globe.
Her rise in the media world was not a straight line. After completing her early education in Kenya, Ghettuba moved to the United States, where she studied Communications and Political Science at Andrews University in Michigan. She then launched her career in Canada, working with a venture capital fund. While she excelled in that corporate environment, her heart was elsewhere. The pull of home and a deep passion for African storytelling led her back to Kenya around the age of 30, determined to transform her dreams into reality.
In 2009, Ghettuba co-founded Spielworks Media, a Nairobi-based production company that quickly grew into one of East Africa’s most prolific studios. Under her leadership, Spielworks produced acclaimed series such as Lies That Bind, Saints, Higher Learning, and Penzi la Sumu. These shows struck a chord with audiences by weaving entertainment with real social issues, reflecting everyday African life with honesty and vibrancy. Ghettuba had found her purpose: to tell stories that resonated deeply while elevating African creativity.
Her vision extended beyond traditional television. Seeing the shift toward digital platforms, Ghettuba co-founded Keja TV, an online channel aimed at Africans both at home and in the diaspora. This innovative step revealed her foresight—long before streaming became mainstream in Africa, she understood how technology could bridge continents and amplify African voices. Through Keja TV, she ensured that African stories could travel farther and reach wider audiences than ever before.
As her influence grew, so did her responsibilities. In May 2019, Ghettuba was appointed Chair of the Kenya Film Commission, giving her a platform to shape national policies and create opportunities for Kenyan filmmakers. That same year, she joined Netflix as Manager for Africa Originals and later rose to become Director of Series & Film for Africa. In this role, she has championed bold new projects, ensuring African creators tell authentic stories in their own languages and styles, stories that now reach millions across the globe.
Her remarkable journey has earned her international recognition. Ghettuba has been named among Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40 Women, selected as an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow in 2016, and listed in Variety’s Global Impactful Women. These honors celebrate not only her accomplishments but also her influence as a mentor and role model who continues to open doors for the next generation of African storytellers.
Ultimately, Dorothy Ghettuba-Pala’s story is more than personal triumph, it is the story of Africa claiming its place on the global stage. By championing authenticity, nurturing talent, and proving the cultural and commercial power of African narratives, she has transformed storytelling into both an art form and an industry force. Her journey reminds us that when passion is paired with vision, stories can cross borders, connect worlds, and inspire generations to come.
