Kenya Film Classification Board cuts fees to lure filmmakers

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) is working on a framework to reduce license fees for both local and international filmmakers by 30%, according to the Head of Legal, Loice Shalakha. Kenya has been losing out on high key film projects to other countries, particularly South Africa, due to the high taxes and license fees filmmakers must pay. Also read: Eric Omondi arrested while carting CVs to State House Nairobi KFCB is the only body mandated to register film agents and ensure compliance with the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222. The board aims to make filming in Kenya cheaper by reducing its license fees and working with counties to harmonize their rates. The situation is dire, especially now that culture and arts have been devolved. “We are going to reduce our license fee, that is something we have been working on. Our intention is to reduce the current fees by 30%. "We’ve also started working with counties to harmonize their licenses,” KFCB Head of Legal, Loice Shalakha told Nairobi News at the sides of a film workshop in Naivasha. Also read: TikToker M.Alby refuses to work with alcohol, betting, and condom brands Ms Shalakha stated, "We know places like Narok where a filmmaker or production company will have to pay close to Sh500,000 just to film. It’s been difficult working with the country to harmonize their rates, but we are putting in as much effort as we possibly can." Currently, KFCB charges Sh15,000 for producing a full-length film and Sh5,000 for documentary, commercial television adverts, music videos, short films, and TV series episodes. The regulator also issues annual registration certificates to film production companies at a fee of Sh12,000. Reducing license fees will help make Kenya a more attractive destination for filmmakers and encourage more productions to be filmed in the country. This move by KFCB is a step in the right direction, as it will help promote the film industry's growth in Kenya and create more job opportunities for locals. Also read: Singer Muigai wa Njoroge foresaw Uhuru property attacks in hit song