Paul Ogola: From Kenya’s Film Industry to the US Navy

Kenyan actor Paul Ogola has revealed that frustrations within the Kenyan film industry ultimately led him to explore new horizons, culminating in his decision to join the US Navy. The award-winning actor and two-time International Kalasha Film and TV Awards nominee is now serving as a US Navy sailor.

In 2022, Ogola graduated as the top recruit in his class of over 1,500 at the US Navy’s Recruit Training Command, earning the prestigious Military Excellence Award (MEA).

A Career Rooted in Acting

Before transitioning to the military, Ogola was deeply entrenched in Kenya’s acting scene, featuring in several acclaimed productions. His debut came in 2012 with Nairobi Half-Life, the first Kenyan film submitted for consideration at the Academy Awards.

Ogola went on to star in notable projects like Netflix’s Sense8 and the award-winning film Kati Kati. His final Kenyan project, Crime and Justice in 2021, saw him star alongside celebrated actress Sarah Hassan.

Despite his success, Ogola has always considered acting his first love. Reflecting on his career, he admitted that if the Kenyan film industry had offered better opportunities, he might never have left.

“I always wanted a chance to showcase my skills in the best possible way,” Ogola explained. “When Kenya couldn’t provide that opportunity, I sought it elsewhere.”

The Turning Point

Ogola’s dissatisfaction grew after Netflix canceled Sense8 at the end of its second season, in which he portrayed Jela, a role he regards as the pinnacle of his acting career.

“All my roles up to that point were great, but Jela in Sense8 is the one I hold close to my heart,” he shared.

During the post-production process for Sense8, Ogola and the team traveled to the US, where he was introduced to the inner workings of the global film industry. This experience opened his eyes to the potential for his talent on a larger stage.

“I saw how the international market operates and how it could leverage talent like mine,” he said. “When I returned to Kenya in 2018, I tried to apply what I had learned, but I just couldn’t make it work.”

Frustrations and a New Path

Ogola grew weary of constantly needing to prove himself in Kenya’s acting industry, despite his skills and accomplishments.

“I lost the inspiration behind what I love to do because I found myself in a position where I had to prove so much, more than necessary,” he admitted. “I’ve seen great talents diminish or even disappear due to the way they’re treated in the industry.”

Determined to avoid a similar fate, Ogola began planning his move to the US. He successfully applied for a Special Category Permanent Visa, granted to individuals with extraordinary merit, which allowed him to relocate just before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

During the waiting period, he worked on his final Kenyan project, Crime and Justice, before beginning his training with the US Navy.

A New Chapter, But Acting Remains Close to His Heart

Now on a different career path, Ogola says he is content and at peace. However, he hasn’t closed the door on acting and would gladly return if the right opportunity presented itself.

“I couldn’t let my experiences in Kenya break me like they did to so many of my peers and those who came before me,” he said.

Though Ogola has embraced his new journey in the US Navy, his passion for acting remains undiminished, a testament to his resilience and enduring love for the craft.