Melissa Kiplagat plays Akisa Musyoka, the protagonist in the series (Photo: Courtesy)

Melissa Kiplagat is part of the stellar cast of Country Queen, the first Kenyan series to premiere on Netflix.

Melissa plays Akisa Musyoka, the protagonist in the series. Akisa is an ambitious Nairobi event planner who pushes the boundaries of society’s expectations of women.

She fights for what she believes in and not even her conflicting relationship with Max, her strained relationship with her mother, or her stubborn uncles can get in her way.

The series focuses on the issues of land grabbing and exploitation, and how they impact the lives and relationships of the main characters, their families, and communities.

Speaking about the series, an elated Melissa said she is humbled to be part of the project and hopes that the audience gets to love their work that took six years to complete.

“It is exciting, more so because it is a relatable movie. You will relate to any of the characters in the series,” she said.

Melissa, who grew up in Embu might be a new face in the Kenyan film industry but the lass has vast experience in the film industry. She is a graduate of the renowned Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, UK.

Having initially pursued a Degree in Economics from Brown University, an Ivy League institution, Melissa chose to follow her passion and instead pursue Arts and Theatre.

She has a Master’s in Theatre Performance. She has had the honour of being trained by one of the best US actor trainers, Lowry Marshall, to whom she owes her acting career.

The talented actress had just returned to the country from the UK when the auditions for the hit series began.

Country Queen is, however, not Melissa’s first acting project. She has been involved in over 15 productions that have not only received recognition in Kenya but also globally.

Apple of the Desert, This is Life web series, New Beginnings, How to Find a Husband, and Just In are some of her major projects.

Melissa, who describes herself as a goody-two-shoes, doubles up as an acting instructor and presenter.