KFCB and Kakamega County Partner to Grow Kenya’s Film Industry Amid Challenges

KFCB and Kakamega County Partner to Grow Kenya’s Film Industry Amid Challenges
KFCB, Chief Executive Officer, Paskal Opiyo

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a thriving film industry in Kenya.

During a training session for aspiring filmmakers in Kakamega County, Chief Executive Officer Pascal Opiyo emphasized the board’s role in creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunities within the sector. 

He highlighted the "Creativity in Arts and Film Literacy" (CAFIL) program, a key initiative designed to equip aspiring filmmakers with essential skills across various aspects of filmmaking.

"From crafting compelling narratives and mastering camera techniques to understanding film production logistics and marketing strategies, CAFIL provides a comprehensive foundation for aspiring filmmakers," said Opiyo.

He reiterated the board’s dedication to supporting artists in monetizing their work through strategic guidance. 

"We are empowering content creators with knowledge on how to rate their content, whether as Parental Guidance (PG) or General Exhibition (GE), so they can produce appropriate material that attracts advertisements and generates income, rather than submitting it to KFCB for rating at a fee," he explained.

Despite these efforts, the Kenyan film industry continues to face challenges such as limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, skill gaps, restricted distribution channels, and rampant piracy. Opiyo noted that the government is taking proactive steps to address these issues. 

"We are investing in talent development, improving infrastructure, facilitating funding opportunities, combating piracy, and promoting the consumption of Kenyan films. This is being done through partnerships with agencies like KFCB, the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) for filmmakers working in wildlife premises, the Immigration Department for foreign artists, and even the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)."

Kakamega County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Gender, and Culture, Mophat Mandela, expressed the county government’s commitment to supporting the artistic community. 

He pointed out the limitations faced by artists when creative content is grouped with the sports and traditions ministry, making it difficult for them to fully benefit from dedicated resources. 

"In our five-year plan, the county government is committed to giving the arts and creative content creation its own focus. Separating it from the sports and traditions ministry will allow artists and content creators to flourish," said Mandela.

He also announced plans to construct a dedicated film studio in Kakamega County to facilitate artistic development and provide local talent with the resources needed to create high-quality productions. 

"This proposed studio will be a significant step in supporting filmmakers and enhancing their ability to produce top-tier work," he added.

By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on the growing global demand for diverse content, the Kenyan film industry holds great potential to entertain, inspire, and make a significant contribution to the country’s economic and cultural landscape.