Who is Skai Jackson? Everything to know about American actress who angered Kenyans
By William Muthama, July 20, 2026American actress and streamer Skai Jackson has become one of the most talked-about celebrities in Kenya after comments she made during her visit to the country sparked widespread online criticism.
The former Disney Channel star came under fire after claiming that many children in a Kenyan village had never seen their reflections because mirrors were expensive.
While Jackson later clarified that she was referring to a small village she visited in 2018 and apologised for any offence caused, the remarks ignited a broader conversation about stereotypes and how international celebrities portray Africa.
But who exactly is Skai Jackson?
Early life
Skai Syed Jackson was born on April 8, 2002, in Staten Island, New York, United States. She began her career as a child model before transitioning into acting, appearing in national advertising campaigns for major international brands.
Raised primarily by her mother, Kiya Cole, after her parents separated, Jackson entered the entertainment industry before her first birthday and steadily built a career in television and film.
Disney Channel breakthrough
Jackson rose to international fame after landing the role of Zuri Ross, the witty and outspoken youngest member of the Ross family, in Disney Channel’s hit sitcom Jessie. The series aired between 2011 and 2015 and became one of Disney’s most successful family shows.
She later reprised the role in the spin-off series Bunk’d, where she appeared from 2015 to 2018, cementing her place as one of Disney Channel’s most recognisable young stars.
After leaving Disney, Jackson expanded her career into voice acting, film and reality television.
She voiced characters in Marvel Rising and DreamWorks Dragons: Rescue Riders, appeared in the action-comedy film Sheroes, and competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2020, where she reached the semi-finals.
Jackson has also built a significant social media following, with millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok and other platforms.
Transition into streaming
In recent years, Jackson has expanded beyond acting and established herself as a content creator and livestreamer.
She regularly shares lifestyle content with millions of followers across social media and has increasingly embraced live streaming as part of her career.
In 2026, she joined Kai Cenat’s Streamer University, a high-profile creator initiative that brought together aspiring and established online personalities for networking, mentorship and content creation.
Author and anti-bullying advocate
Away from acting, Jackson is also an author.
In 2019, she released her memoir, Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback, in which she discusses growing up in Hollywood, dealing with online bullying and encouraging young people to stand up for themselves respectfully.
She has frequently spoken publicly against cyberbullying and has been recognised for using her platform to encourage positive online behaviour.
Recognition and Personal life
Throughout her career, Jackson has received several honours and industry recognition.
She was included in Time magazine’s list of the Most Influential Teens in 2016 and earned a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for her performance in Jessie. She has also received recognition for her influence on social media.
In January 2025, Jackson welcomed her first child, a son named Kasai.
Like many celebrities who grew up in the public eye, she has also attracted media attention over aspects of her personal life, including legal disputes and public disagreements, though she has continued to pursue acting and content creation.