Sarah Hassan Biography
Sarah Hassan is a well-known Kenyan actress, producer, director, and former television host. She was born on September 5, 1988, in Mombasa, Kenya. Today, at age 37, she stands as a key figure in East African entertainment. Her work spans television shows, films, and production projects that highlight Kenyan stories and culture. Sarah first gained wide attention through her role in the popular TV series Tahidi High in 2009. Since then, she has built a career that mixes acting talent with business skills in film making. She owns Alfajiri Productions, a company that creates content for local and global audiences, including Netflix releases.
What makes Sarah special is her ability to play different characters, from high school students to strong women facing real life issues. Her roles often touch on topics like family, love, and society in Kenya. For example, in Crime and Justice, she plays a detective solving crimes, showing her range as an actress. Sarah also hosted shows that connected with viewers across East Africa, like The Wedding Show. Her efforts have earned her awards and respect from fans and peers.
Beyond her work, Sarah inspires many young people in Kenya. She shows that one can switch from a science background to arts and succeed. As a brand ambassador for products like Dettol Skincare, she promotes positive images of African women. In 2025, she was named Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer of the Year, a big honor that reflects her impact. This biography looks at her life step by step, from her start in Mombasa to her current success. Readers can learn how hard work and passion lead to great achievements in entertainment.
Sarah Hassan Early Life
Sarah Hassan grew up in Mombasa, a coastal city in Kenya known for its mix of cultures. As the only child of her parents, Lucian and Hassan, she enjoyed close family bonds. Her home life was simple and supportive, which helped shape her confident personality. From a young age, Sarah showed interest in performing. She began acting at just five years old, taking part in small plays and school events. This early start sparked her love for storytelling and being on stage.
Living in Mombasa exposed her to Swahili traditions and diverse communities. The city’s lively atmosphere, with beaches and markets, influenced her creative side. Sarah often recalls how watching local performers and listening to family stories inspired her. Though her parents worked regular jobs, they encouraged her hobbies. They saw her talent and let her explore arts alongside studies.
As a child, Sarah faced typical challenges like balancing school and fun activities. But her determination stood out. She learned to speak clearly and express emotions, skills that later helped in her career. By her teen years, she knew she wanted to entertain others. This foundation in Mombasa prepared her for bigger opportunities in Nairobi and beyond. Her early experiences taught her resilience and the value of cultural roots in her work.
Sarah Hassan Education
Sarah Hassan’s school journey blended science and creativity. She went to Machakos Girls High School for secondary education. There, she focused on subjects like math and sciences, building a strong base for problem solving. After high school, she joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, or JKUAT. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science. This field involves using math to assess risks, often in insurance or finance.
Choosing actuarial science showed Sarah’s smart and practical side. She graduated with skills in analysis and numbers. But her passion for film never faded. In 2016, she studied Television and Film at the New York Film Academy in the United States. This training gave her tools to direct, produce, and act better. It was a big step, combining her math background with artistic goals.
Her education path proves one can pursue different interests. Actuarial skills help her manage production budgets and plan projects. At the same time, film studies sharpened her storytelling. Sarah often says learning never stops, and her degrees opened doors in entertainment. This mix makes her a role model for students thinking about career changes.
Sarah Hassan Career
Sarah Hassan’s career started small but grew into a major force in Kenyan media. She began acting professionally in 2007, but her big break came in 2009. That year, she played Tanya in Tahidi High, a Kenyan TV series about high school life on Citizen TV. Tanya was a popular character, and Sarah’s performance made her a household name. The show ran for years, teaching lessons on teen issues like friendships and studies.
After Tahidi High, Sarah took on more roles. She starred in Demigods, Saints, and Changes, showing her ability to handle drama. In 2013, she hosted The Wedding Show on Citizen TV, replacing Noni Gathoni. She held this role until December 2014. The show helped couples plan weddings and shared real stories. Sarah’s warm style made it a hit.
She also hosted other programs. These include Mashariki Mix on Mnet Africa and Sakata Mashariki, an East African dance show. In Discovery +254, she presented talent searches. These jobs built her skills in front of cameras.
Sarah moved into films too. In 2013, she appeared in House of Lungula. Later, in 2019, she produced and starred in Plan B, a romantic comedy with Nigerian and Kenyan actors. The movie gained over 5 million views on YouTube. She founded Alfajiri Productions to create more content. Through it, she produced the short film Reflections and The Company You Keep in 2018, which she wrote and directed while in Los Angeles.
In 2020, she was lead producer for 40 Sticks, a thriller that streamed on Netflix and won many awards. In 2021, Just In Time, a family comedy drama, also went to Netflix. Sarah co produced and acted in it. Her TV work continued with roles like Leah in Jane & Abel, and the lead in Zora on Citizen TV. In Crime and Justice, she played detective Makena, tackling tough cases.
More recently, in 2024, Netflix released Family Vacation. Sarah co directed it with Voline Ogutu and Edwin Kamau, and starred as an influencer saving her marriage. She also appears in Zari on DSTv as Nina. Outside acting, Sarah works as a brand ambassador. In 2022, she promoted OPPO Reno 8 phones with Willy Paul. Now, she endorses Dettol Skincare.
Her career shows growth from actor to leader in production. She focuses on stories that represent African lives, working with teams across the continent. Sarah’s path encourages others to build businesses in entertainment.
Sarah Hassan Awards
Sarah Hassan has collected many honors for her work in acting, hosting, and producing. Here is a list of key awards she has won:
- In 2010, Best Actress at the Chaguo la Teeniez Awards for her role in Tahidi High.
- In 2011, another Best Actress at the Chaguo la Teeniez Awards for Tahidi High.
- In 2014, Best Actress for the short film Now That You’re Here.
- In 2014, Best TV Host at the Kalasha Awards for Discovery +254.
- In 2015, Best East African Journalist at the Swahili Fashion Week for Mashariki Mix and Maisha Max.
- In 2019, Best Actress at the Kalasha Awards for Plan B.
- In 2021, Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama at the Kalasha Awards for Crime and Justice.
- In 2021, Best Lead Actress in a Film at the Kalasha Awards for Just In Time.
- In December 2024, Order of the Grand Warrior from the Kenyan President for film contributions.
- In 2025, Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer of the Year.
She also ranked in the top 100 most influential young Kenyans in 2016, 2021, and 2023. In 2021, Pulse Kenya named her the most influential actor in Kenya. In 2023, she made the Africa top 100 most impactful people list by Ranks Africa. These recognitions highlight her talent and hard work.
Sarah Hassan Personal Life
Sarah Hassan’s personal world centers on family and balance. She married Martin Dale on February 25, 2017. They had a traditional ceremony that year, followed by a white wedding in 2018. The couple lives in Nairobi, Kenya. In April 2018, they welcomed their son, Nassir.
Sarah keeps much of her family life private but shares some moments on social media. She talks about the joys of motherhood and how it changed her views. Balancing career and home is key for her. She often credits her husband for support during busy filming times.
Outside work, Sarah enjoys fitness and travel. She promotes healthy living through her endorsements. Her faith and community ties also play a role, though she keeps details low key. Philanthropy interests her, especially helping girls in education from coastal areas like Mombasa. Sarah’s life shows how stars can stay grounded while achieving success.
Conclusion
Sarah Hassan’s story is one of growth and inspiration. From a young girl in Mombasa to a top entertainer in Africa, she has shown what dedication can do. Her shift from actuarial science to film proves dreams can change paths. Through roles that touch hearts and productions that tell real stories, she boosts Kenyan culture on global stages.
Looking ahead, Sarah plans more projects, like new Netflix series and mentorship for young talents. Her awards and influence will likely grow. She reminds us to value roots, learn always, and give back. For fans and aspiring artists, her journey offers lessons in perseverance and creativity. Sarah Hassan remains a shining example in East African entertainment.
FAQs
What is Sarah Hassan’s age?
Sarah Hassan is 37 years old as of November 2025. She was born on September 5, 1988.
Who is Sarah Hassan’s husband?
Her husband is Martin Dale. They married on February 25, 2017.
Does Sarah Hassan have children?
Yes, she has one son named Nassir, born in April 2018.
What is Sarah Hassan’s education background?
She holds a BSc in Actuarial Science from JKUAT and studied Film and Television at New York Film Academy in 2016.
What are some of Sarah Hassan’s famous roles?
She is known for Tanya in Tahidi High, Makena in Crime and Justice, and leads in Plan B and Family Vacation.
What awards has Sarah Hassan won?
She has won Kalasha Awards for Best Actress in 2019 and 2021, and the Order of the Grand Warrior in 2024.
What is Sarah Hassan’s net worth?
Estimates suggest around KES 50 million from acting, producing, and endorsements, but exact figures vary.
What is Sarah Hassan’s production company?
She founded Alfajiri Productions, which has made films like Plan B and 40 Sticks.
Where does Sarah Hassan live?
She lives in Nairobi, Kenya.
What recent honor did Sarah Hassan receive?
In 2025, she was named Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer of the Year.