Kenya’s film industry is experiencing a transformative shift, emerging as a dynamic hub of storytelling, creativity, and economic growth.
Once overshadowed by foreign productions, the country’s cinematic landscape is now commanding both local and international recognition, with filmmakers pushing boundaries and audiences embracing homegrown content.
From hard-hitting dramas to witty comedies, Kenyan films are making waves, challenging the dominance of Nollywood and Hollywood. Yet, the big question remains: Can the industry sustain this momentum and cement itself as a global player?
For decades, Kenya’s film industry grappled with funding shortages, limited infrastructure, and an uphill battle against the overwhelming presence of foreign content.
Local productions struggled for visibility, often relying on niche film festivals and small-scale screenings.
However, a turning point came in the early 2000s when groundbreaking films like Nairobi Half Life (2012) proved that Kenyan stories had a place on the global stage.
“The success of Nairobi Half Life was a wake-up call for the industry. It showed us that our stories are powerful and can resonate far beyond our borders,” said David Gitonga, the film’s Director.
The rise of digital technology further fuelled this momentum, lowering production costs and providing filmmakers with tools to create high-quality content. Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime have amplified Kenyan films, catapulting titles like Disconnect, Plan B, Supa Modo, and Rafiki onto the international stage.
“Streaming has revolutionised everything. It has given filmmakers like us access to audiences we never imagined possible,” noted Sarah Hassan, an actress and producer of Plan B.
Most recently, the Kenyan film Nawi was selected as the country’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, marking yet another milestone for the nation’s burgeoning film industry.
Government intervention has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry. The Kenya Film Commission (KFC), established in 2005, has introduced incentives such as tax breaks, funding programmes, and policy support to boost local productions. The Kalasha International Film and TV Awards and the Nairobi International Film Festival continue to provide platforms for filmmakers to showcase their work and foster collaborations.
KFC CEO Timothy Owase, in a statement on February 13, 2025, confirmed that this year’s Kalasha Awards would go on as scheduled, promising a “bigger and better” edition to celebrate Kenya’s cinematic excellence.
“Our goal is to position Kenya as a leader in African cinema. The strides we have made are just the beginning,” Owase said.
Recognising the evolving landscape, KFC’s 2023/2024 – 2027/2028 Strategic Plan prioritises industry growth by reviewing milestones, addressing challenges, and leveraging new opportunities to expand Kenya’s global film footprint.
Despite these successes, the industry faces persistent hurdles; piracy, funding gaps, and infrastructure limitations continue to stifle growth.
A 2023 report by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) revealed that over 60% of digital content in Kenya is consumed illegally, significantly undercutting local filmmakers’ earnings.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) estimates that counterfeiting costs Kenya Sh100 billion annually across various industries, including film.
“Piracy is killing the industry. Filmmakers spend years working on projects, only to have them stolen and distributed for free,” lamented Njoki Muhoho, a veteran producer.
Public awareness campaigns against piracy have been launched, but experts argue that stronger enforcement, improved distribution channels, and increased investment in film education are crucial for sustainable growth.
The Kenyan film industry contributes approximately Sh20 billion to the GDP annually, supporting over 10,000 jobs directly and indirectly, according to KFC’s 2022 data. However, unlocking its full potential will require strategic investments, robust policies, and global partnerships to position Kenya as a true powerhouse in African cinema.
“The future is bright, but we need all hands on deck—government, private sector, and filmmakers—to push the industry forward,” said Gilbert Lukalia, a Director and Screenwriter.
As the demand for authentic African storytelling grows, Kenyan filmmakers are proving that the country is not just a consumer of content but a serious creator of world-class entertainment. The journey has been long, but the future of Kenyan cinema is brighter than ever.
By Yvonne Wangeci
