Recognising the immense potential of the film industry, one of the most lucrative creative sectors worldwide, Kenya is taking steps to enhance women’s participation in it. To address this gap, the Kenya Film Commission (KFC), in collaboration with the German development agency GIZ, has unveiled the Women-in-Film Incubation Programme. This initiative aims to foster gender equity in Kenya’s creative economy.
Currently, only about 30-40% of the film industry workforce is women, and even fewer hold leadership roles. The Women-in-Film Incubation Programme seeks to change this reality by elevating women’s involvement and leadership across creative, technical, and entrepreneurial domains in the industry, which employs around 130,000 individuals.
The programme’s inaugural cohort comprises 10 women, selected through a competitive nationwide process, each showcasing diverse skills and backgrounds within the film sector. Over a two-week residency, they underwent rigorous training designed to enhance their enterprises and align them with the broader Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) landscape. This approach highlights film not just as an art form but also as a viable business sector with ample market opportunities.
A significant milestone of this programme was the awarding of over $6,000 grants to five exceptional women-led film enterprises. This initiative, part of KFC’s Film Empowerment Programme and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, followed a competitive pitching session evaluated by industry experts. The selected ventures exhibited remarkable potential for innovation and growth.
The 2025 Women in Film Award recipients include:
– Grace Murema – Grycelle Studio: An experienced SFX makeup artist known for her impactful character creations.
– Faith Njeri Heho – The Makeup Tower: A beauty entrepreneur dedicated to providing professional makeup training and empowering women.
– Louiza Wanjiku Ndung’u – NBOFF: Founder of the Nairobi Film Festival, delivering cultural cinema experiences to diverse audiences.
– Wanjira Maina – IConnect Kenya Initiative: A leader in empowering refugees and youth through storytelling and digital innovation.
– Tracy Annette Sandere – Rebella Afrique Media: A creative expert focused on promoting African narratives through film and media.
Each awardee will also receive specialised training in grant management and financial oversight to ensure effective use of their funding.
At the graduation and award ceremony, KFC CEO Timothy Owase underscored the Commission’s commitment to inclusive development within the sector. He stated that the programme directly addresses gender disparities while providing crucial support through mentorship and enterprise development.
The film industry significantly contributes to Kenya’s GDP, with an estimated annual value of approximately USD 130 million. However, the sector’s potential remains largely untapped, as highlighted by recent statistics showing it accounted for only 0.4% of GDP from 2016 to 2022.
The programme also emphasises vital enterprise skills such as strategic planning and financial management, while acknowledging the emotional challenges faced by creative entrepreneurs through integrated mental wellness support.
As these women embark on their entrepreneurial journey, they will benefit from ongoing mentorship, coaching, and resources designed to cultivate a vibrant and economically competitive film ecosystem in Kenya. Through this initiative, KFC is investing in the next generation of Kenyan storytellers, aiming to reshape the nation’s cultural narrative and economic landscape.
