Former Tahidi High actor Eddy, whose real name is Kevin Onyiso, is proving that life after mainstream television can be just as impactful. Having transitioned from a celebrated TV thespian to a visionary filmmaker, Eddy is now using his talent to tell powerful, socially driven stories through school-based productions.
Eddy’s latest project sees him working with Mudavadi Girls High School in Vihiga County to produce a film titled Zuhura, which focuses on raising awareness about autism. The initiative is part of his broader mission to use storytelling as a tool for education and advocacy. Speaking about the project, Eddy clarified that autism is often misunderstood as a disease when in fact, it’s a neurodevelopmental condition that requires informed understanding and support.
“This is a condition that is being mistaken for a disease, yet it has a certain behavior that should be taken care of,” Eddy explained. He praised the school’s Chief Principal, Jennifer Otolo, for her unwavering support in helping bring the story to life. The production has also garnered backing from the Kenya Actors Guild, with Eddy expressing hope for future collaborations with the Autism Society of Kenya and international autism advocacy organizations.
The film Zuhura will premiere on YouTube and is expected to air on local television stations afterward, making its message accessible to a broader audience.
This isn’t the first time Eddy has used film to highlight important health topics. Earlier this year, he partnered with Kaimosi Girls High School to create a film on fistula, which was showcased at the Kenya National Drama Festival. His next planned project will address sickle cell anaemia—another often overlooked health issue affecting many communities in Kenya.
Outside his creative work, Eddy has often credited his early family life as a key influence on his professional journey. He married in 2009 and became a father the following year. With three children today, he says that the responsibilities of fatherhood helped him stay grounded and focused, especially during his rise to fame. While others in the entertainment industry struggled with the pressures of celebrity life, Eddy says his stable home life helped him avoid distractions and channel his energy into meaningful work.
After his time on Tahidi High, Eddy ventured into media production, including a stint in content creation at Royal Media Services. He later co-founded a production company in Kisumu, laying the foundation for the impactful storytelling he’s now known for.
From the hallways of a fictional high school to real classrooms across western Kenya, Eddy is proof that creativity, when paired with purpose, can change lives. His work not only entertains but also educates—creating a legacy that extends far beyond the screen.
