High Production Costs Making It Tough for Kenyan Filmmakers to Create Quality Series and Films

Making films and TV series in Kenya is truly a labour of love but the expenses involved are making it very difficult for local creators to keep going. According to industry veterans like producer Okello Mark, the costs start right from the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) requirements. Unlike other businesses, filmmakers must get a fresh licence for every project. For a TV series, the base season permit costs around KSh 15,000 plus KSh 1,000 for each shooting day. Classification fees add another KSh 100 per minute of content, meaning a one-hour episode alone can cost KSh 6,000 just for approval. Equipment hire is another big headache, with even a basic professional camera going for KSh 3,000 per day, not forgetting sound gear, lights and other accessories that push daily costs higher. Locations can be very expensive too, with some venues charging up to KSh 150,000 for filming rights. On top of that, producers have to cover cast and crew payments, food, transport, costumes, makeup and sometimes accommodation. One short film or single episode can easily exceed KSh 100,000, while a full 13-episode season runs into millions of shillings. Many promising projects die halfway because money finishes. Insurance, import duties on gear and other logistics add more pressure. Only few productions recover their investment locally, forcing many talented Kenyans to either go abroad or switch to short social media content. Filmmakers are asking KFCB for reforms like annual licences and better support to grow the industry. With rich stories and ready talent, the steep financial barriers are still holding back Kenyan screens from shining brighter.