KFC is Kenya's national screen industry authority β mandated to develop, regulate, promote, and facilitate Kenya's screen sector. We are the interface between Kenya's government, its screen industry, and the world.
Kenya Film Commission (KFC) is a State Corporation established under the Kenya Film Commission Act of 2005, operating under the Ministry of Information, Communications Technology, Innovation and Youth Affairs. We are Kenya's national film and screen industry development agency.
Our mandate is comprehensive: we develop Kenya's screen industry, regulate filming activities in the country, facilitate local and international productions, promote Kenyan content internationally, and provide the infrastructure for a sustainable, growing screen economy.
Through the National Screen Industry Platform β this digital platform β KFC has modernised its service delivery, making Kenya's screen industry infrastructure accessible, transparent, and globally competitive.
We work in partnership with Kenya's screen industry professionals, international co-producers, investors, broadcasters, streaming platforms, and government partners to build an ecosystem that generates employment, foreign exchange, and international recognition for Kenya.
KFC was established by an Act of Parliament β the Kenya Film Commission Act (Cap. 223A, Laws of Kenya) β which defines our mandate, governance structure, and powers. The Act has been revised and updated to reflect Kenya's modern screen industry landscape, including provisions for digital content, streaming regulation, and international co-production frameworks.
Supporting the growth of Kenya's screen industry through funding, skills programmes, business development, and infrastructure investment.
Regulating all filming activities in Kenya, issuing filming permits, and coordinating with agencies including KWS, NEMA, and county governments.
Marketing Kenya as a filming destination and promoting Kenyan content to international distributors, platforms, broadcasters, and co-producers.
Administering the Kalasha International Film & TV Awards β Kenya's national screen awards β to recognise and celebrate excellence in the industry.
Generating and publishing data, research, and analysis about Kenya's screen industry to support investment, policy, and industry decision-making.
Negotiating and managing bilateral co-production treaties, commission-to-commission partnerships, and international development fund relationships.
From a modest regulatory body to a fully-functioning national screen industry platform β KFC's history reflects Kenya's remarkable screen industry journey over two decades.
Parliament enacts the Kenya Film Commission Act (Cap. 223A), establishing KFC as a State Corporation under the Ministry of Information. The Act gives KFC its mandate to develop, regulate, and promote Kenya's screen industry β replacing the former Kenya Film Corporation which had focused primarily on distribution.
Kenya Film Commission officially commences operations from its Nairobi headquarters. The first year focuses on establishing the permits system, building international relationships with film commissions in Europe and North America, and conducting Kenya's first formal screen industry census.
KFC launches the Kalasha International Film & TV Awards β Kenya's national screen awards β to recognise and celebrate excellence in Kenyan screen production. The first edition attracts 42 submissions across 12 categories. The name "Kalasha" honours the traditional Kenyan water vessel as a symbol of community and cultural life.
KFC signs Kenya's first bilateral co-production treaties β with France (CNC) and Germany (FFA). These agreements create formal legal frameworks for international co-production, opening access to European funding for Kenyan producers for the first time. KFC also begins attending Berlinale EFM and Cannes MarchΓ© du Film as a national presence.
KFC launches Kenya's first formal production incentive β a 20% cash rebate on qualifying local spend for international productions. Simultaneously, the permits system moves online with digital delivery, reducing average processing time from 14 days to 4. Foreign production enquiries increase by 340% in the following two years.
Netflix Africa establishes a commissioning operation targeting Kenyan original content. KFC facilitates the regulatory framework, negotiates content quota discussions, and launches the Kenya Screen Showcase β the first curated presentation of Kenyan content to international streaming platforms and distributors. Showmax also launches original Kenya commissions.
KFC's board approves a comprehensive digital transformation strategy β repositioning KFC from a regulatory body to a "National Screen Industry Platform". Development begins on the integrated platform covering permits, crew directories, investment information, career development, and industry intelligence β a first-of-kind approach in Africa.
Kenya's screen industry achieves its highest-ever value β KSh 28.4 billion β with 186 registered productions, 24,800 direct jobs, and USD 48.2M in foreign production spend. The 14th Kalasha Awards receives a record 340 submissions. The National Screen Industry Platform goes live with 8,000 registered users in its first quarter. A historic year for Kenya's screen economy.
A screen industry veteran with over 20 years in media, content regulation, and cultural policy. Dr. Mwangi joined KFC as CEO in 2019 following senior roles at the Communications Authority of Kenya and a decade in private broadcasting. He holds a doctorate in Media Policy from the University of Nairobi and a Masters from Goldsmiths, University of London.
Leads KFC's industry development function β funding programmes, training initiatives, business support, and the Kalasha Awards. Previously Head of Content at a major East African broadcaster and a filmmaker with two feature credits. Champion of Kenya's animation and women-in-screen programmes.
Oversees KFC's regulatory function, permit processing, and inter-agency coordination. Former public servant with 15 years across the Kenya Civil Service, including postings at the Ministry of Tourism and KWS. Architect of KFC's digital permit portal and the agency coordination framework.
Manages KFC's international partnerships, co-production treaties, market representation, and the Kenya Screen Showcase. Speaks English, Swahili, French, and Arabic. Based primarily in Nairobi with regular presence at Cannes, MIPCOM, IDFA, and Berlinale.
Leads KFC's research, data, and industry intelligence function β managing the annual screen industry census, economic impact studies, and the industry intelligence platform. Previously a senior economist at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Author of Kenya's annual Screen Industry Report.
Leads the development and management of KFC's National Screen Industry Platform β the integrated digital platform you're currently using. Formerly a senior product manager at a Nairobi-based tech company. Responsible for KFC's digital transformation strategy and platform roadmap.
Board members are appointed by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of ICT, for 3-year renewable terms. Board meetings are held quarterly. Board minutes are available to industry stakeholders on request.
Kenya's formal production incentive offers qualifying international and Kenyan productions a cash rebate on eligible in-Kenya expenditure. Currently under reform with a proposed increase to 35%. Managed by KFC's International Relations department.
Learn moreKFC administers direct grants to Kenyan screen professionals β the Documentary Development Fund, Animation Development & Production Fund, Short Film Competition, and the International Co-Production Fund. Applications managed through the platform.
View grantsKFC operates structured training programmes including the Animation & VFX Intensive Bootcamp, masterclass series with international practitioners, and the KFC Mentorship Programme connecting industry leaders with emerging talent.
Browse trainingA 6-month structured incubation programme for early-stage screen industry businesses. Provides co-working space, mentor assignment, business development workshops, and access to KFC's network. Next cohort opens June 2025.
Learn moreKenya's national screen awards β now in their 15th year β recognising excellence across 22 categories covering film, television, documentary, animation, and craft. Submissions open annually with the ceremony held in May.
Kalasha AwardsKFC's research and data function produces annual screen industry reports, economic impact studies, sector analyses, and census data β making Kenya's screen industry one of the best-documented on the continent.
View intelligenceKFC maintains an active presence at 12 international film markets and festivals annually β facilitating meetings between Kenyan producers and international partners, and representing Kenya as a production and content destination.
Market calendarKFC negotiates and manages bilateral co-production treaties with international partners β currently active with France, Germany, South Africa, and Italy, with UK and Canada in negotiation. Treaties open access to both countries' incentive frameworks.
Co-production infoKFC's dedicated diversity programme supporting women professionals in Kenya's screen industry β including the Women in Film Bursary, Women Directors Masterclass series, and partnership with the African Women in Cinema initiative.
Women's bursaryKenya Film Commission has announced a proposed reform to Kenya's production incentive framework that would increase the cash rebate for qualifying international productions from 20% to 35% of eligible in-Kenya expenditure. The proposal is currently under public consultation, with a decision expected in Q3 2025.
The 15th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards has received a record 340 submissions. KFC announces the final call for submissions closing on 15 March 2025 before the jury review begins.
KFC has formalised a commission-to-commission partnership with the Egyptian Film Commission, creating a new North-East Africa production corridor and co-production pathway for filmmakers from both countries.
KFC publishes the 2024 annual Kenya Screen Industry Report, confirming a record-high industry value of KSh 28.4 billion and 186 productions registered β both all-time highs. Report available for download.
Applications are now open for the KFC Animation & VFX Bootcamp May 2025 cohort. Full scholarships available for qualifying Kenyan applicants aged 18β30. Deadline: 20 March 2025.
Registration is free, takes 5 minutes, and unlocks the full platform β directories, funding opportunities, document templates, project registration, and professional profile.