🌟 For Students & Emerging Professionals

Your career
in Kenya's
screen industry
starts here.

Explore career paths, find training programs, access scholarships, browse jobs and internships, build your professional portfolio, and connect with mentors — everything you need to launch and grow a screen industry career in Kenya.

24+
Career Paths Mapped
60+
Training Programs Listed
180+
Jobs & Internships
40+
Industry Mentors

Find your role
in Kenya's screen industry

Click any career to explore skills required, progression pathway, salary range, and recommended training. 24 career paths mapped in detail.

🎬
Director
Direction
89 registered in Kenya
Screenwriter
Direction
64 registered in Kenya
📷
Cinematographer
Camera
112 registered in Kenya
🎥
Camera Operator
Camera
98 registered in Kenya
Picture Editor
Post-Production
76 registered in Kenya
🎨
Colourist
Post-Production
28 registered in Kenya
VFX Artist
Post-Production
42 registered in Kenya
🎨
Animator
Digital
78 registered in Kenya
🎙
Sound Recordist
Sound
55 registered in Kenya
🏛
Production Designer
Art & Design
38 registered in Kenya
📋
Producer
Production
143 registered in Kenya
Drone Operator
Camera
47 registered in Kenya
Camera Department

Director of Photography

The Director of Photography (DOP or Cinematographer) is responsible for the visual language of a film or TV production — managing lighting, camera placement, lens choice, and working closely with the director to realise their creative vision through imagery. The DOP oversees the camera and lighting departments.

Core Skills Required
Camera operation Lighting design Lens knowledge Colour theory Director collaboration ARRI / RED systems Visual storytelling Budget management
Career Progression
1
Camera Trainee / Runner 0–2 years
2
Camera Assistant (1st or 2nd AC) 2–5 years
3
Camera Operator / B-Camera 4–8 years
4
Director of Photography 7+ years
Typical Salary Range — Kenya
KSh 80,000 – 350,000
Per month — varies with experience and project type
Day Rate — Freelance
KSh 15,000 – 60,000
Per day — international productions higher
Ready to pursue this career?
Create your professional profile on the KFC platform to be discoverable by producers and connect with mentors in this field.
Create My Profile Find a Mentor

Find the right
training for you

Check available scholarships
Degree Scholarship Available
Bachelor of Film & Theatre Arts
University of Nairobi — School of Creative Arts

Kenya's flagship film degree covering directing, production, screenwriting, cinematography, and post-production. Industry-integrated curriculum with access to professional equipment. Strong alumni network in the Kenyan industry.

Duration4 years
FormatFull-time, Nairobi
Annual FeeKSh 120,000–180,000
AccreditationCUE Accredited
Bootcamp KFC Programme
Animation & VFX Intensive Bootcamp
Kenya Film Commission

KFC's flagship 12-week intensive programme for aspiring animators and VFX artists. Taught by working industry professionals. Full scholarships available for qualifying applicants. Top performers receive guaranteed internship placement.

Duration12 weeks
FormatFull-time, Nairobi
FeeKSh 80,000 (scholarships available)
Next IntakeMay 2025
Diploma 2 Years
Diploma in Film Production & Cinematography
Nairobi Film Academy

Hands-on practical diploma designed for aspiring cinematographers and production professionals. Small cohorts (max 20 students) ensure personal instruction. Graduate showreel included.

Duration2 years
FormatFull-time, Nairobi
Annual FeeKSh 95,000
Next IntakeSeptember 2025
Online Self-paced
Screenwriting Masterclass — African Stories
African Storyhouse / KFC Partnership

Online screenwriting course specifically developed for African storytellers. Covers feature film structure, dialogue, character development, and the business of selling scripts. Taught by produced Kenyan screenwriters.

Duration8 weeks (self-paced)
FormatOnline
FeeKSh 12,000
StartRolling enrolment
Degree Scholarship Available
BA Digital Media & Animation
Kenyatta University — Media School

Three-year degree programme combining digital media theory and animation production. Access to dedicated animation lab and industry software (Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, Blender). Strong employment outcomes.

Duration3 years
FormatFull-time, Nairobi
Annual FeeKSh 100,000–140,000
AccreditationCUE Accredited
Bootcamp 6 Weeks
Documentary Filmmaking Intensive
Kenya Documentary Institute

Intensive six-week documentary production programme. Participants complete a short documentary during the course. Strong focus on the East African documentary market and storytelling traditions. IDFA-affiliated curriculum.

Duration6 weeks
FormatFull-time, Nairobi
FeeKSh 55,000
Next IntakeJune 2025

Financial support
for your training

Don't let cost stop you. Kenya's screen industry has more scholarship options than most people realise — we've put them all in one place.

Kenya Education Bursary Fund
Government Bursary — Creative Arts
Up to KSh 50,000

Government bursary for Kenyan students enrolled in accredited creative arts and film programs at public universities. Disbursed directly to institution. Annual application through constituency offices.

Enrolled in accredited degree programme Kenyan citizen, demonstrated financial need Apply through constituency office
📅 Annual application: February–April
Berlinale Talents / DAAD
DAAD Creative Africa Scholarship
€ 8,500 / year

German Academic Exchange Service scholarship for African filmmakers and media students to study at German film schools or participate in international exchange programmes including Berlinale Talents. Highly competitive — strong portfolio required.

African national, film/media field Undergraduate degree completed German language skill beneficial Strong portfolio and references
📅 Deadline: October (for following academic year)
Sundance Institute
Sundance Ignite Fellowship
USD 10,000

Sundance Institute's emerging filmmaker fellowship for filmmakers aged 18–25. Includes funding, mentorship, and access to Sundance Film Festival. One of the most prestigious emerging filmmaker fellowships globally.

Filmmaker aged 18–25 At least one completed short film Project in active development
📅 Deadline: June annually
MNET / Africa Magic
Africa Magic Scholarship for Film Students
KSh 120,000

Annual scholarship from Africa Magic supporting East African film students. Covers tuition for one academic year at an accredited institution. Recipients also receive mentorship from Africa Magic commissioning team.

East African student at accredited institution Film, TV or media-related programme Minimum 2nd year of study
📅 Deadline: July annually
KFC Diversity Initiative
KFC Women in Film Bursary
KSh 80,000

Dedicated bursary supporting women pursuing careers in screen industry technical roles (cinematography, sound, VFX, directing). Covers course fees and equipment access. Includes mentorship from established women professionals.

Kenyan women aged 18–35 Technical screen industry training Portfolio or statement of intent
📅 Deadline: April 2025

Your first — and next — opportunity

Post a job (employers) 180+ active listings
Documentary Director / DOP
Blue Nile Studios · Nairobi, Kenya
Mid–Senior
Project-Based Documentary Mid-Senior Level

Seeking an experienced documentary director who can also operate camera to lead a 6-part documentary series for international broadcaster. Must have 3+ completed documentary credits. Shoot dates April–July 2025, primarily Nairobi and Rift Valley.

2D Animator — Children's Animation
Kijani Creative · Nairobi, Kenya
Mid Level
Full-Time Animation Mid Level

Join Nairobi's leading animation studio working on an original children's animated series currently in production. Proficiency in Adobe Animate or ToonBoom Harmony required. Portfolio demonstrating character animation essential. 2+ years professional animation experience.

Picture Editor — Drama Series
Savannah Pictures · Nairobi, Kenya
Mid Level
Contract (6 months) Post-Production Avid / Premiere

6-month contract editing role for a 10-episode drama series. Must be proficient in Avid Media Composer or Adobe Premiere. Drama editing experience preferred. Working in Nairobi facility with occasional remote flexibility.

Are you a company with a position to fill?

Post your job listing on the KFC platform and reach Kenya's entire screen industry talent pool — free for registered companies.

Post a Job
Animation Internship — Studio Assistant
Kijani Creative · Nairobi, Kenya
Paid
Paid Internship Animation 3 Months

Three-month animation internship at Kijani Creative. Working alongside experienced animators on a children's series in production. Portfolio required — demonstrating character drawing or basic animation. Priority given to KFC Bootcamp graduates.

Editorial Internship — Post Production Suite
Nairobi Post Studio · Nairobi, Kenya
Stipend
Small Stipend Post-Production 4 Months

Four-month internship at a professional post-production facility assisting with offline and online editing across multiple productions. Basic editing knowledge required. KSh 8,000 monthly transport allowance provided.

Companies: post your internship

Reach Kenya's screen industry students and graduates. Internship posting is free for registered companies.

Post an Internship

Create your professional portfolio

Your KFC platform profile is your professional identity in Kenya's screen industry — visible to producers, casting directors, and companies browsing the Crew and Talent Directory.

Whether you're a director, cinematographer, editor, animator, actor, or sound professional, a strong profile makes you discoverable to the productions that could launch your career. It takes 15 minutes to create — and it's free.

1
Choose your role and department
Select your primary role and the department you work in. You can list multiple roles and skills.
2
Add your credits and work history
List productions you've worked on. They'll link automatically to the KFC productions database if registered.
3
Upload your showreel and portfolio samples
Add video showreels, images, script samples, or audio demos depending on your discipline.
4
Go live in the Crew and Talent Directory
Your profile becomes discoverable to producers in Kenya and internationally browsing the KFC directory.

Create My Professional Profile

Free forever. Takes 15 minutes. Visible to producers immediately.

Free forever. You control visibility. Contact details shared only with your permission.

Connect with
an industry mentor

The KFC Mentorship Programme connects emerging screen industry professionals with experienced practitioners for structured, 6-month mentorship relationships. Applications open twice yearly.

📝
Apply as a Mentee
Tell us your career goals, skills focus, and what kind of guidance you're seeking. Applications reviewed quarterly.
🤝
Get Matched
KFC's programme team matches you with a mentor based on your goals, career stage, and the mentor's expertise.
📅
Structured 6-Month Programme
Monthly one-on-one sessions, goal-setting, industry introductions, and portfolio feedback. KFC facilitates the relationship.
🚀
Industry Integration
Programme includes access to KFC networking events, industry screenings, and mentee cohort community.
Programme Stats
Active Mentors 40+
Mentees Supported 180+
Employment Rate (post-programme) 78%
Next Intake April 2025

Meet Some of Our Mentors

👁
James Kamau
Director of Photography · 15 years experience
Cinematography Wildlife DoP Documentary

Award-winning cinematographer with credits on BBC Natural World, National Geographic, and multiple Kenyan feature films. Kalasha Best Cinematography winner 2022. Available for mentees interested in camera and lighting careers.

Apply to be Mentored
🎬
Wanjiku Mwangi
Documentary Director · 12 years experience
Directing Documentary Co-Production

Kalasha-winning documentary director whose work has screened at IDFA, Sundance, and on international streaming platforms. Expert in international co-production and the documentary development process. Passionate about supporting emerging women directors.

Apply to be Mentored
🎨
David Njoroge
Animation Director · Studio Founder
Animation Studio Management Business

Founder of Kijani Creative, Nairobi's leading animation studio. Built his studio from 4 to 28 staff over two years. Mentors aspiring animators and those interested in building creative businesses in Kenya's screen industry.

Apply to be Mentored

Apply for the Mentorship Programme

Applications for the April 2025 cohort are now open. We accept 20 mentees per cohort, matched with mentors from across Kenya's screen industry.

Matched to a mentor in your career area
6 structured one-on-one sessions
Access to KFC industry events
Mentee community and networking
Portfolio feedback and career planning

Mentee Application

Meet the industry

Full event calendar
28
Mar
Thursday · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EAT
Networking
KFC Industry Networking Evening — Nairobi

Monthly informal networking event for screen industry professionals and students. Mix with producers, directors, crew, and KFC staff in a relaxed setting. New industry talent especially welcome.

📍 KFC Offices, Nairobi Free — registration required
5
Apr
Saturday · 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EAT
Workshop
Screenwriting Workshop — Pitching for Television

Full-day workshop on pitching original television concepts to African broadcasters and streaming platforms. Led by a commissioned TV writer. Attendees will pitch and receive live feedback.

📍 Nairobi Film Academy KSh 2,500 (students: KSh 1,200)
12
Apr
Friday · 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM EAT
Masterclass
Cinematography Masterclass — Lighting for Narrative

Hands-on masterclass with one of Kenya's leading cinematographers covering practical lighting techniques for drama and documentary. Limited to 24 participants for maximum hands-on learning.

📍 KFC Training Studio, Nairobi KSh 4,500 (students: KSh 2,500)
20
Apr
Sunday · 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM EAT
Industry Showcase
Emerging Talent Showcase — Q1 2025

Quarterly screening of short films and animation by emerging Kenyan talent. Followed by Q&A with producers and industry guests. Open submission — register your work by 10 April to be considered.

📍 Alliance Française, Nairobi Free to attend · KSh 500 submission fee
2
May
Friday · All day
Kalasha
Kalasha Awards Ceremony 2025 — 15th Edition

Kenya's national film and television awards. The most important night in Kenya's screen calendar. Open to the public — a chance to celebrate the industry's talent and connect with the entire professional community.

📍 KICC, Nairobi Industry tickets: KSh 5,000
Kalasha Awards →
10
May
Saturday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EAT
Industry Day
KFC Screen Industry Career Day 2025

Annual career fair bringing together students, graduates, and Kenya's screen industry employers. On-the-day portfolio reviews, internship and job announcements, mentor speed-dating, and industry panels. Free for students.

📍 Nairobi, venue TBC Free for students · KSh 1,000 industry

Your career in Kenya's screen industry starts with your profile.

Create your free profile today and become discoverable to productions, producers, and casting directors across Kenya and beyond.