REQUIREMENTS FOR A FILMING LICENCE IN KENYA
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) is the body mandate to regulate the creation, broadcasting, possession, distribution and exhibition of film and broadcast content in Kenya. The Board is established a State Corporation under the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya (1998) with powers to regulate the Film industry to ensure that content conforms to Kenya’s culture, moral values and national aspirations as well as to protect children from exposure to inappropriate content.
In addition, the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA), requires all broadcasters to ensure that their content is examined and classified by the KFCB before being aired. The Board is also responsible for the registration and licensing of film agents, local and international filmmakers, distributors, and exhibitors.
According to the Board, an applicant for a film license is required to submit the following document and information when applying for the license:
- A cover letter addressed to the Board requesting for the Film License.
- Duly filled and completed application form.
- Certificate of Registration/Incorporation of Company/ID/Passport Bio Data. (Where applicable)
- KRA PIN Certificate. (Where applicable)
- Professional Certificate (where demanded)
- List of Equipment (where demanded)
- Special pass or proof of lawful residence. (Where applicable)
Application is also to be accompanied by:
CATEGORY | REQUIREMENT |
Documentary, TVC/ Advertisement, Music Video, Corporate Video, Infomercial, Travelogue, Testimonial, etc. | a Synopsis, Screenplay, Treatment, Script Outline, Running Order or Storyboard and shooting schedule |
Full-length feature film, Short film, TV Series, TV Series Episode, Web Series and Webisode | A Synopsis, Screenplay and Shooting Schedule |
Applicable fees
Documentary, TVC/ Advertisement, Music Video, Corporate Video, Infomercial, Travelogue, short film, Testimonial, TV Series Episode, Webisode etc. | KSH. 5,000.00 |
Full-length feature film, TV Series Per Season and Web Series Per Season | KSH. 15,000.00 |
Filming fees per day | KSH. 1,000.00 |
Film Agent Registration | KSH. 12,000.00 |
Annual Film Agent renewal | KSH. 12,000.00 |
NOTE:
- The Film license can be issued to a local or foreign film makers within Kenyan in line with the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222, Laws of Kenya.
- No film maker is permitted to make any film in Kenya without a filming license from KFCB.
- Filming permits for TV series and full-length feature films are processed within 48 hours upon receipt of the application.
- Permits for short productions are processed within few hours.
- A filming licence is issued for the production of a specific project, for the specific period as indicated in the shooting schedule. The licence expires upon the lapse of the dates indicated.
- In the event an applicant requires additional filming days for the license issued, the applicant must notify the Board before the expiry of the licence and the applicant must pay for each additional day.
- International filmmakers intending to undertake filming activities in Kenya are required to obtain Special Passes from the Department of Immigration Services.
- A nominal and non-refundable import charge is levied on the imported film equipment per consignment, payable
- to Kenya Revenue Authority.
- Filming in National Parks and National Reserves attracts charges from the Kenya Wildlife Services.
For assistance in processing your Film licence please contact us on info@aowangaadvocates.com or +254794600191
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