The film industry is one of the most lucrative creative sectors globally, and in Kenya, it holds significant untapped potential for women.
In partnership with GIZ, the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) has launched the Women-in-Film Incubation Programme to promote women’s leadership in film.
The Kenyan-German initiative aims to create opportunities for women across creative, technical, and entrepreneurial roles in an industry that employs an estimated 130,000 people, yet only 30–40% are women, with far fewer in leadership positions.
The inaugural cohort of 10 women was selected through a nationwide application process, representing counties across Kenya and reflecting the diversity of the local film community.
The two-week residency focused on helping participants build strong creative businesses using Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) frameworks.
The programme emphasizes that film can operate not just as an artistic craft but also as a commercially viable sector with real market opportunities.
As part of the programme, five top participants, whose enterprises demonstrated the strongest potential during a pitching session before industry judges, received €5,000 each to strengthen their film businesses.
The funding can be used to boost production capacity, develop new content, improve business systems, or prepare projects for the market.
The programme is part of the KFC Film Empowerment Programme and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
At the graduation ceremony, the five Women in Film Award recipients for 2025 were announced: Grace Murema of Grycelle Studio, Faith Njeri Heho of The Makeup Tower, Louiza Wanjiku Ndung’u of NBOFF, Wanjira Maina of IConnectKenya Initiative, and Tracy Annette Sandere of Rebella Afrique Media.
The awardees will also receive training in grant administration and management to ensure effective use of the funds and long-term sustainability of their enterprises.
Speaking at the ceremony, KFC CEO Timothy Owase highlighted the Commission’s commitment to equitable sector development.
“This programme addresses the persistent gender gaps in our industry. By combining practical training, mentorship, and enterprise support, we are creating opportunities for women to build competitive and sustainable film businesses,” he said.
Kenya’s film sector contributes an estimated KSh 20 billion (about USD 130 million) annually to the economy and supports over 10,000 jobs.
According to the latest FISA report, the combined film and broadcasting sector accounted for 0.4% of GDP between 2016 and 2022, showing room for growth and increased competitiveness.
During the residency, participants were trained in strategy, finance, legal and compliance, human resource management, and digital marketing. Mental wellness was also a key focus, equipping participants with resilience and clarity to navigate the emotional pressures often faced by women building creative businesses.
The cohort now moves into a three-month mentorship and shadowing period, working with experts in law, finance, HR, digital skills, and strategy.
Participants will also advance modules such as business modeling, access to finance, pitch development, and investor readiness.
Bi-weekly coaching sessions will help refine business models, deepen market understanding, and strengthen enterprise systems in preparation for scaling.
The Women-in-Film Entrepreneurs Incubation Programme reinforces KFC’s commitment to a vibrant, inclusive, and economically competitive film ecosystem.
“Kenya’s film sector holds immense untapped potential — not only as a driver of jobs and investment but as a powerful engine for national identity and global influence. By investing in women entrepreneurs, we are widening the creative and economic space for Kenyan stories to thrive,” said Owase.
“This programme is a step toward a more inclusive industry and a stronger future for our creative economy.”
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