Kenyan filmmaker and Phil-It Productions CEO Phil Karanja, popularly known as Director Phil, has once again melted hearts online with a warm and romantic birthday tribute to his new partner, Mukami Maina.

The father of one, who soft-launched his relationship with Mukami a few months ago, took to Instagram to celebrate her 26th birthday in style.

The pair have increasingly been sharing glimpses of their romance online, marking a new chapter in Phil’s life nearly two years after his split from actress Catherine Kamau, better known as Kate Actress.

Phil’s Romantic Birthday Message

On Thursday, Mukami shared an elegant birthday post captioned:

“Full heart. Calm spirit. This is 26✨.”

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Director Phil quickly followed with a heartfelt comment that left fans gushing:

“Happiest birthday, love ❤️???. Glowing and growing ?.”

He later posted a picture of the two together, adding:

“It’s world @Mukami_Maina day. Happiest birthday, love ❤️.”

Mukami, who has been a constant presence by Phil’s side in recent months, replied playfully:

“Thank you, sir babe.”

Phil Karanja and Mukami Maina//Instagram

The couple’s warm exchange sparked hundreds of comments from fans and close friends in the entertainment industry, including Abel Mutua, Njugush, and Judy Nyawira, who all sent in celebratory messages.

Abel humorously wrote:

“Happy birthday, Gen Z. Na mtu wangu kuna vile miaka zinakimbia, naona ukiingia hii kikosi yetu ya supu na masweater. Jibambe.”

Producer Chemutai Kwambai added:

“Happy birthday, super producer! You are truly an incredible creator — wishing you endless blessings ahead.”

Others, including Celestine Ndinda, Jacky Vike, and Missturu, praised Mukami as a “star in the making” and sent their best wishes for her special day.

ALSO READ: This Expensive Habit Earned Abel Mutua and Phil Karanja Millions!

A Soft Launch That Sparked Warm Conversations

The couple first caught public attention in September 2025, when Phil subtly introduced Mukami on his Instagram stories. The post showed the two looking cosy together — a gesture fans immediately interpreted as confirmation of a new relationship.

Mukami, a content creator and aspiring lawyer, is no stranger to Phil’s world. She previously worked as Kate Actress’s personal assistant, a detail that added an extra layer of public curiosity when their romance became known.

Despite this, there has been no trace of drama between the women. In fact, Kate’s reaction to the news showed nothing but grace and maturity.

Kate Actress’s Graceful Reaction

When the story of Phil’s new relationship broke in September, Kate Actress responded with characteristic poise.

Instead of fuelling gossip, she shared a throwback video from 2022 featuring herself and Mukami raising a toast together. Her caption read:

“To happiness baby girl, Mukami Maina.”

Kate Actress//Instagram

The clip — posted at the height of social media chatter — was widely interpreted as Kate’s way of expressing goodwill towards the couple.

Fans praised her response as a show of emotional maturity and self-assurance, especially given that Mukami was once part of her inner circle.

Moving Forward with Positivity

Phil and Kate, who married in November 2017, publicly announced their separation in September 2023 after nearly six years together.

The pair emphasised that their decision was mutual and that they remain “friends, co-parents, and business partners.”