Kenyan actor Melvin Alusa has opened up about some of the lesser-known details of his life, from his academic journey to his first earnings and the amount of money currently sitting in his M-Pesa account.The revelations came during a Quickfire interview, where the veteran actor answered personal questions about his life and career.

From school to the stage

Alusa has built a career spanning theatre, television and film. He has appeared in productions including Makutano Junction, The First Grader and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, as well as the action film Mission to Rescue. 

The actor has previously spoken about discovering his passion for performance while still young. He started with church musicals before moving into theatre and eventually television.

“I was in my early twenties when I tossed myself into the industry.”

Before fully committing to acting, Alusa worked as a salesman for seats. He later left the job after becoming increasingly involved in theatre and set-book productions.

Kenyan Actor Melvin Alusa with his family // Instagram

His school grades and first salary

During the Quickfire session, Alusa also shared details about his academic performance.

KCPE he revealed he got 514 out of 700 marks and in KCSE he got Grade C plain studying at Thika Kamiga High School, giving fans a glimpse into the student he was before becoming a familiar face on Kenyan screens.

He further revealed what he earned from his first job, 4000 shillings, offering a contrast to the professional career he has developed over the years.

His journey is particularly notable because his entry into acting was not an overnight success. Alusa has previously described taking smaller opportunities and working across different productions as he developed his craft.

The actor has also spoken about the financial uncertainty that comes with working in the creative industry.

“In this field, you do not have an assured monthly pay.”

He has encouraged artistes to invest when work is available because acting jobs can fluctuate. 

Alusa puts his M-Pesa balance on display

Perhaps the most eye-catching part of the Quickfire was Alusa's response about his current M-Pesa balance.

The actor disclosed the amount available in his account, giving viewers an unusual look at his finances outside the public image associated with his acting career.

The revelation comes from an actor whose career has taken him from local theatre to international film productions.

Alusa has previously said that money is not the only consideration when accepting acting roles, noting that some jobs can create opportunities for future projects.