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Why Hollywood series The Agency Season 2 filmed scenes in Nairobi and Kisumu
01st July, 2026 02:06 PM
Kenya’s vibrant landscapes and growing film industry have once again taken centre stage after Hollywood producers chose the country as one of the filming locations for the second season of the acclaimed spy thriller The Agency.
The production filmed key scenes in Nairobi and Kisumu, bringing Kenya’s iconic landmarks and diverse scenery to an international audience while creating opportunities for local actors, stunt performers and film crews.
One of the Kenyans who benefited from the production is former Tahidi High actor and stuntman Emmanuel Mugo, who landed a role in the series alongside an international cast.
Why Kenya?
The producers selected Kenya because the storyline in The Agency Season 2 expands into East Africa, making authentic locations essential to the plot.
Rather than recreating African settings in another country, the filmmakers chose to shoot on location to give the espionage thriller a more realistic look and feel.
Nairobi’s unique blend of modern skyscrapers, diplomatic offices, bustling streets and diverse neighbourhoods made it an ideal backdrop for the high-stakes spy drama. Kisumu, on the other hand, offered a different perspective of Kenya with its lakeside setting, scenic landscapes and quieter urban environment, helping bring the East African storyline to life.
The decision also reflects Kenya’s growing reputation as a preferred filming destination for international productions, thanks to its diverse locations, experienced local crews and expanding film industry.
Filming locations
In Nairobi, the crew filmed scenes in several well-known locations, including Ngara, Kibera, and the rooftop of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), offering sweeping views of the capital’s skyline.
While in Kisumu, scenes were shot in the scenic Kajulu Hills, adding another striking Kenyan landscape to the series.
Stars praise Kenya
Speaking about their experience filming in Kenya, members of the cast described the country as one of the highlights of the production.
Jodi Turner-Smith, who plays Samia Zahir, during a post-film interview said that Kenya was one of the most outstanding locations for the film, with the people and the weather itself making the whole experience wholesome.
“It was really exciting this season to get to film on location. Kenya was awesome. I’d never been to Kenya, and the people were amazing,” stated Jodi.
“And I think we got some really good stuff there. The weather was incredible. To be in Africa, it was really, really special.”
Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender, who plays CIA operative Martian, praised the reception they received from Kenyans.
“The people were amazing,” he said, noting that the cast and crew enjoyed working in the country and appreciated the warmth and hospitality shown throughout the shoot.
Additionally, film star John Magaro, who plays Owen, revealed that one of the reasons he was excited to return for Season 2 was learning that his character would have a major storyline set in Africa.
“One of the exciting reasons I wanted to do this part was Joe Wright, who directed the first two episodes, telling me that in Season 2, Owen has his big adventure in Africa. It was kind of crazy to have that experience finally play out,” he said.
Season two of The Agency, which is now airing on Paramount Plus, has ten episodes in which Kenya, London and Morocco are featured.
