Kenya has set its ambition to become a leading global hub for film production as industry leaders and government officials convened at the Kalasha International Film and TV Market Festival and Awards 2026 in Nairobi.
Speaking during the official opening of the event, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, expressed that the Kalasha Festival has grown into a key platform for showcasing African storytelling, fostering industry dialogue, and connecting Kenyan filmmakers with international markets.
Mvurya said that this year’s edition has attracted participants from across Africa and beyond, signaling increasing global interest in Kenya’s creative sector.
The CS stated that the festival will continue to play a critical role in strengthening the film ecosystem by promoting inclusivity, supporting emerging voices, and facilitating access to financing and distribution channels.
Mvurya expressed optimism that continued collaboration and investment will unlock the full potential of Kenya’s film industry and cement its position on the global stage.
Kenya Film Commission (KFC) Chief Executive Officer Timothy Owase said the country is committed to strengthening its creative economy through policy support, partnerships, and investment in local talent.
“Kenya is not just a destination; it is a story worth telling,” Owase said, urging both local and international stakeholders to tap into the country’s rich cultural diversity and storytelling potential.
He noted that the Commission continues to champion local content while expanding opportunities for Kenyan creatives through funding, capacity-building programmes, and international collaborations.
According to Owase, these efforts have already enabled hundreds of creatives to access regional and global platforms.
Owase emphasized that film is not merely entertainment but a powerful economic driver.
“Film is influence, film is identity, and film is economy,” he said, adding that strategic investment in the sector can boost tourism, create jobs, and contribute significantly to national growth.
He called on development partners and investors to support the industry, noting that sustainable growth requires collaboration across institutions.
“This cannot be the work of one institution alone. It requires shared commitment, investment, and partnerships,” he said.
The CEO further highlighted ongoing efforts to position Kenya as a competitive filming destination, including strengthening institutional capacity, improving efficiency, and creating a supportive production environment.
“A great location will attract attention, but a great experience will secure a return,” he added.
Owase encouraged local filmmakers to believe in their stories, stressing that no country can achieve global recognition without first investing in its own narratives.
“You must believe in your stories. The Commission is here to support you,” he said.
The festival, he noted, serves as a marketplace for ideas, partnerships, and opportunities, bringing together creatives, investors, distributors, and global studios. “This is where creativity meets capital,” Owase said, urging participants to leverage the platform to build meaningful collaborations.
State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs said the sector has evolved into a key pillar of economic development.
“Gone are the days when the creative economy was viewed as a hobby. Today, it is a fully fledged industry attracting global attention and investment,” Jacobs said.
He noted that the growing prominence of events such as the Kalasha Festival reflects a broader shift in how creative work is perceived, both locally and internationally.
Jacobs commended stakeholders for prioritizing the sector and helping elevate its status.
The PS highlighted changing attitudes in education and career choices, noting that more young people are now embracing creative industries as viable professional paths.
“The creative economy has now earned its place as a sector worth our focus and celebration,” he said.
Jacobs attributed the progress to sustained government support under the administration of President William Ruto, particularly through policies aimed at nurturing talent and expanding opportunities within the creative space.
By Celestine Lomolijah
