KUHU & BABU: The Kenyan Puppet Series Using Storytelling to Spark Mental Health Conversations

This Kenyan Filmmaker is utilising a puppet series to address gambling addiction, religious extremism, and PTSD in the country. 

In today’s world, where outsourcing idea generation to Artificial Intelligence has become so popular, the ability to create pristine society-serving projects must be commended. Enter Kuhu and Babu, the award-winning Kenyan mental health puppet film series created and produced by professional puppeteer and filmmaker Michael Mutahi. The project follows an elderly couple who use candid, character-driven storytelling to address mental health concerns within families, intending to provoke difficult but necessary conversations at the most basic level: the home.

“Kuhu,” derived from the Luhya word KUKHU (grandmother), and “Babu,” from the Kiswahili word for grandfather, are the primary characters, supported by additional roles that enrich the narrative and thematic depth of the series. Seeing this, one might be tempted to think of it as a series for children only, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The Kenya Film Classification Board rates the show as 16+ due to its mature themes and messages, which are rooted in well-researched community issues. The show aims to spark awareness and stimulate dialogue among families, in the workplace, and in worship places, as well as across wider society.

All three films in the series tackle a national crisis: ‘Gambling Addiction’ after a wave of gambling-related suicides; ‘Religious extremism’ prompted by the extremist-influenced tragic massacres in Shakahola, Kilifi; and ‘Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)’ inspired by a series of boarding school fires that left students deeply traumatised while parents struggled to support them. 

Michael Mutahi  Credit: Project Hand Up

Mutahi and his team seek to produce even more films addressing mental health conversations across all levels of community life. He produces most films independently, without major sponsorship. However, he is not without succour. The Kenya Film Commission and Film Classification Board provided production support for one film and an auditorium for screenings, respectively. BUNI Media provided studio space for recording, with Distribution through Joy Nduto and Attitude Media. NIVISHE Foundation participates in post-screening panel discussions. There’s the talent, as well. Ross Franks is directing the shows free of charge. Anne Mwaura of Capital FM & African Mental Health is the voice actress for the character “Paula”.

Kuhu and Babu screens on Friday, 19th December 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Nairobi Cinema. Entry is free.