GITNUXREPORT 2026

Kenya Film Industry Statistics

Kenya's film industry is growing rapidly through digital platforms and international partnerships.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

65% of Kenyans aged 18-35 watched a local film in theaters in 2022.

Statistic 2

Annual cinema attendance: 4.2 million tickets sold in 2023.

Statistic 3

VOD subscriptions for local content: 1.8 million in 2022.

Statistic 4

Top Riverwood film "Suzanna" viewed by 2.5 million on YouTube 2021.

Statistic 5

72% urban audience preference for local films over Hollywood in 2023.

Statistic 6

Average views per Riverwood film on digital: 500,000 in 2022.

Statistic 7

TV viewership for local series: 8.5 million weekly in 2021.

Statistic 8

Pirated film downloads: 15 million instances in 2023.

Statistic 9

Cinema occupancy rate: 45% for local films in 2022.

Statistic 10

Social media engagement: 12 million interactions for top 10 films 2023.

Statistic 11

Rural mobile views: 55% of total consumption in 2022.

Statistic 12

Gender split: 52% female audience for Kenyan films 2021.

Statistic 13

Repeat viewings: 28% of audience watched top films twice in 2023.

Statistic 14

Festival attendance: 150,000 visitors to Kalasha in 2022.

Statistic 15

Streaming completion rate for local content: 78% in 2023.

Statistic 16

Youth (15-24) consumption: 62% weekly film watchers 2022.

Statistic 17

Diaspora views: 1.2 million from US/Europe in 2021.

Statistic 18

Ticket price average: KES 400, leading to 70% affordability complaints.

Statistic 19

Multi-platform reach: 85% for hit films like "Selina" 2022.

Statistic 20

Language preference: 68% Swahili content demand in 2023.

Statistic 21

Post-COVID recovery: Attendance up 35% to 3.1 million in 2022.

Statistic 22

Influencer-driven views: 4 million via TikTok in 2023.

Statistic 23

Household penetration: 42% watch local films weekly 2021.

Statistic 24

Genre popularity: Comedy 55%, Drama 30% in 2022 surveys.

Statistic 25

Mobile data usage for films: 25GB per user annually 2023.

Statistic 26

Live event screenings: 50,000 attendees in 2022.

Statistic 27

Satisfaction rate: 82% for local productions 2023.

Statistic 28

Overseas Kenyan views: 750,000 on Prime Video 2022.

Statistic 29

35% increase in female-led film viewership 2021-2023.

Statistic 30

12.5 million total digital streams for Kenyan films in 2023.

Statistic 31

18-35 age group comprises 68% of cinema goers in 2022.

Statistic 32

Kenyan film industry contributed KES 12.5 billion to GDP in 2022, representing 0.18% of national GDP.

Statistic 33

Film exports generated USD 4.2 million in foreign exchange in 2021.

Statistic 34

Employment in film sector: 45,000 direct jobs in 2023.

Statistic 35

Box office revenue from local films: KES 1.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 36

Streaming rights deals worth KES 800 million signed in 2023.

Statistic 37

Tax incentives saved producers KES 450 million in 2022.

Statistic 38

Film tourism boosted hospitality revenue by KES 2.1 billion in 2021.

Statistic 39

Average ROI for Riverwood films: 250% in 2022.

Statistic 40

Government funding to film: KES 500 million annually since 2020.

Statistic 41

Piracy losses estimated at KES 3.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 42

VOD market size for Kenyan films: USD 15 million in 2023.

Statistic 43

Cinema chain investments: KES 1.5 billion in new screens 2022.

Statistic 44

Merchandising from films generated KES 300 million in 2021.

Statistic 45

Film-related SMEs: 12,000 registered in 2023.

Statistic 46

Foreign investment in Kenyan films: USD 8 million in 2022.

Statistic 47

Pay TV rights sales: KES 650 million in 2023.

Statistic 48

Cost of film classification: KES 5,000 average per project 2022.

Statistic 49

Economic multiplier effect: 1.8x per shilling invested in 2021.

Statistic 50

Festival prize winnings: USD 1.2 million for Kenyan films 2023.

Statistic 51

Insurance claims in film shoots: KES 120 million in 2022.

Statistic 52

Sponsorship deals: KES 400 million from brands in 2023.

Statistic 53

Rental income from equipment: KES 750 million annually 2022.

Statistic 54

Tax revenue from film: KES 900 million in 2021.

Statistic 55

Crowdfunding success: KES 150 million raised for 50 projects 2023.

Statistic 56

Ancillary spending (catering, transport): KES 2.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 57

Local content quotas generated KES 1.1 billion for producers 2022.

Statistic 58

Kenyan films earned KES 450 million from Netflix deals in 2023.

Statistic 59

72 film studios operational across Kenya in 2023.

Statistic 60

Digital cinemas screens: 156 nationwide in 2022.

Statistic 61

KFCB classification certificates issued: 450 in 2023.

Statistic 62

Film fund allocations: KES 300 million via KFC in 2022.

Statistic 63

25% tax rebate policy approved for foreign films 2021.

Statistic 64

Post-production houses: 42 equipped facilities 2023.

Statistic 65

Anti-piracy raids: 1,200 conducted in 2022.

Statistic 66

Equipment rental hubs: 18 in Nairobi alone 2023.

Statistic 67

Local content quota: 40% on pay TV since 2020.

Statistic 68

Kalasha Festival budget: KES 50 million annually.

Statistic 69

Streaming regulation framework drafted in 2023.

Statistic 70

Sound stages built: 12 new ones since 2021.

Statistic 71

Film permit processing time reduced to 7 days in 2022.

Statistic 72

Archival footage digitized: 5,000 hours by NFVDF 2023.

Statistic 73

Insurance mandates cover 85% of productions 2022.

Statistic 74

EAC film protocol signed by Kenya 2021.

Statistic 75

Mobile cinema units: 35 deployed in rural areas 2023.

Statistic 76

Data protection compliance: 95% for VOD platforms 2022.

Statistic 77

Export license issuances: 120 in 2023.

Statistic 78

Training centers: 15 accredited by TVET 2022.

Statistic 79

Power backup generators in studios: 90% coverage 2023.

Statistic 80

Rating system appeals: 45 resolved in 2022.

Statistic 81

Co-production treaty with France ratified 2021.

Statistic 82

High-speed internet for post: 1Gbps in 20 hubs 2023.

Statistic 83

Safety audits on sets: 320 conducted 2022.

Statistic 84

Distribution networks: 45 licensed companies 2023.

Statistic 85

Subsidy for rural shoots: KES 20 million disbursed 2022.

Statistic 86

NFT platform for film rights piloted with 10 projects 2023.

Statistic 87

Green production guidelines adopted by 60% studios 2022.

Statistic 88

In 2022, Kenya's film industry produced 278 feature films, a 22% increase from 2021 driven by digital platforms.

Statistic 89

Riverwood produced 156 local language films in 2021, with Sheng dominating at 45%.

Statistic 90

Kenya released 89 international co-productions in 2023, partnering mainly with South Africa and Nigeria.

Statistic 91

Average production budget for a Kenyan feature film in 2022 was KES 5.2 million (USD 40,000).

Statistic 92

67% of Kenyan films in 2022 were shot using digital cameras under KES 2 million budget.

Statistic 93

Kenya Film Commission supported 45 projects with grants totaling KES 120 million in 2022.

Statistic 94

Number of short films produced annually reached 450 in 2023, up 18% from previous year.

Statistic 95

112 documentaries were produced in Kenya in 2021 focusing on wildlife and culture.

Statistic 96

Animation films output grew to 23 titles in 2022 from 12 in 2020.

Statistic 97

76% of productions in 2023 utilized Nairobi as primary shooting location.

Statistic 98

Kenya exported 34 films to East African markets in 2022.

Statistic 99

Post-production services handled 210 projects domestically in 2021.

Statistic 100

51 horror genre films were made in Riverwood in 2022, leading genre trends.

Statistic 101

Women-directed films numbered 42 out of 278 total in 2022.

Statistic 102

165 music videos were produced as film-adjacent content in 2023.

Statistic 103

Script registrations at KFCB hit 320 in 2022.

Statistic 104

28 films qualified for international festivals from Kenya in 2023.

Statistic 105

Average shooting days per feature film: 18 days in 2022.

Statistic 106

95 TV series episodes produced locally in 2021.

Statistic 107

Virtual production pilots: 5 projects in Kenya 2023.

Statistic 108

142 commercials filmed in Kenya for global brands in 2022.

Statistic 109

Film festival submissions from Kenya: 210 in 2022.

Statistic 110

67% of films used local VFX in 2023, totaling 186 projects.

Statistic 111

Kenya's film output per capita: 0.005 films per person in 2022.

Statistic 112

39 children's films produced in 2021.

Statistic 113

Drone footage used in 112 films in 2023.

Statistic 114

256 permits issued for film shoots in national parks 2022.

Statistic 115

18 3D films produced experimentally in 2023.

Statistic 116

Co-productions with Nollywood: 22 in 2022.

Statistic 117

Total film scripts approved: 289 in 2023.

Statistic 118

Number of trained directors: 1,200 certified by 2023.

Statistic 119

Actors registered with union: 8,500 in 2022.

Statistic 120

Women in key crew roles: 32% in 2023 productions.

Statistic 121

Film school graduates annually: 450 from local institutions 2022.

Statistic 122

Average salary for lead actor: KES 150,000 per film 2023.

Statistic 123

Cinematographers: 650 professionals active in 2021.

Statistic 124

Scriptwriters guild members: 420 in 2022.

Statistic 125

Editors trained via UNESCO: 280 since 2020.

Statistic 126

Youth apprenticeships: 1,500 placed in 2023.

Statistic 127

International awards for actors: 15 wins in 2022.

Statistic 128

Sound technicians: 320 certified in 2021.

Statistic 129

Producers with business training: 180 from KFC programs 2023.

Statistic 130

Diversity in casting: 25% non-Kenyan East Africans in 2022.

Statistic 131

Child actors protected: 450 registered with guidelines 2023.

Statistic 132

VFX artists: 450 freelancers in 2022.

Statistic 133

Location managers: 120 active nationwide 2021.

Statistic 134

Make-up artists union: 650 members 2023.

Statistic 135

Music composers for film: 210 credited in 2022.

Statistic 136

Stunt coordinators: 85 trained professionals 2023.

Statistic 137

Grip and lighting crew: 1,800 workers in 2021.

Statistic 138

Diaspora talent returnees: 320 in industry since 2020.

Statistic 139

Mentorship programs graduated 750 talents in 2022.

Statistic 140

Foreign crew visas issued: 450 for 2023 shoots.

Statistic 141

Union wage agreements cover 60% of workforce 2022.

Statistic 142

Animation specialists: 120 trained in 2023.

Statistic 143

Costume designers: 380 portfolios registered 2021.

Statistic 144

Production assistants: 2,500 entry-level jobs filled 2022.

Statistic 145

Award-winning directors: 45 under 35 in 2023.

Statistic 146

Language dubbing experts: 150 for Swahili-English 2022.

1/146

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From producing over 270 feature films in a single year to fueling a multi-billion shilling economy, Kenya's film industry is a powerhouse of growth, creativity, and untapped potential.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, Kenya's film industry produced 278 feature films, a 22% increase from 2021 driven by digital platforms.
Riverwood produced 156 local language films in 2021, with Sheng dominating at 45%.
Kenya released 89 international co-productions in 2023, partnering mainly with South Africa and Nigeria.
Kenyan film industry contributed KES 12.5 billion to GDP in 2022, representing 0.18% of national GDP.
Film exports generated USD 4.2 million in foreign exchange in 2021.
Employment in film sector: 45,000 direct jobs in 2023.
65% of Kenyans aged 18-35 watched a local film in theaters in 2022.
Annual cinema attendance: 4.2 million tickets sold in 2023.
VOD subscriptions for local content: 1.8 million in 2022.
Number of trained directors: 1,200 certified by 2023.
Actors registered with union: 8,500 in 2022.
Women in key crew roles: 32% in 2023 productions.
72 film studios operational across Kenya in 2023.
Digital cinemas screens: 156 nationwide in 2022.
KFCB classification certificates issued: 450 in 2023.

Kenya's film industry is growing rapidly through digital platforms and international partnerships.

Audience and Consumption

65% of Kenyans aged 18-35 watched a local film in theaters in 2022.
Annual cinema attendance: 4.2 million tickets sold in 2023.
VOD subscriptions for local content: 1.8 million in 2022.
Top Riverwood film "Suzanna" viewed by 2.5 million on YouTube 2021.
72% urban audience preference for local films over Hollywood in 2023.
Average views per Riverwood film on digital: 500,000 in 2022.
TV viewership for local series: 8.5 million weekly in 2021.
Pirated film downloads: 15 million instances in 2023.
Cinema occupancy rate: 45% for local films in 2022.
Social media engagement: 12 million interactions for top 10 films 2023.
Rural mobile views: 55% of total consumption in 2022.
Gender split: 52% female audience for Kenyan films 2021.
Repeat viewings: 28% of audience watched top films twice in 2023.
Festival attendance: 150,000 visitors to Kalasha in 2022.
Streaming completion rate for local content: 78% in 2023.
Youth (15-24) consumption: 62% weekly film watchers 2022.
Diaspora views: 1.2 million from US/Europe in 2021.
Ticket price average: KES 400, leading to 70% affordability complaints.
Multi-platform reach: 85% for hit films like "Selina" 2022.
Language preference: 68% Swahili content demand in 2023.
Post-COVID recovery: Attendance up 35% to 3.1 million in 2022.
Influencer-driven views: 4 million via TikTok in 2023.
Household penetration: 42% watch local films weekly 2021.
Genre popularity: Comedy 55%, Drama 30% in 2022 surveys.
Mobile data usage for films: 25GB per user annually 2023.
Live event screenings: 50,000 attendees in 2022.
Satisfaction rate: 82% for local productions 2023.
Overseas Kenyan views: 750,000 on Prime Video 2022.
35% increase in female-led film viewership 2021-2023.
12.5 million total digital streams for Kenyan films in 2023.
18-35 age group comprises 68% of cinema goers in 2022.

Audience and Consumption Interpretation

This data paints a picture of a vibrant, ravenous, and slightly rebellious Kenyan film audience that is overwhelmingly choosing homegrown stories, devouring them voraciously on phones, and would probably fill more cinema seats if the tickets didn't cost as much as a small farm.

Economic Impact

Kenyan film industry contributed KES 12.5 billion to GDP in 2022, representing 0.18% of national GDP.
Film exports generated USD 4.2 million in foreign exchange in 2021.
Employment in film sector: 45,000 direct jobs in 2023.
Box office revenue from local films: KES 1.8 billion in 2022.
Streaming rights deals worth KES 800 million signed in 2023.
Tax incentives saved producers KES 450 million in 2022.
Film tourism boosted hospitality revenue by KES 2.1 billion in 2021.
Average ROI for Riverwood films: 250% in 2022.
Government funding to film: KES 500 million annually since 2020.
Piracy losses estimated at KES 3.2 billion in 2022.
VOD market size for Kenyan films: USD 15 million in 2023.
Cinema chain investments: KES 1.5 billion in new screens 2022.
Merchandising from films generated KES 300 million in 2021.
Film-related SMEs: 12,000 registered in 2023.
Foreign investment in Kenyan films: USD 8 million in 2022.
Pay TV rights sales: KES 650 million in 2023.
Cost of film classification: KES 5,000 average per project 2022.
Economic multiplier effect: 1.8x per shilling invested in 2021.
Festival prize winnings: USD 1.2 million for Kenyan films 2023.
Insurance claims in film shoots: KES 120 million in 2022.
Sponsorship deals: KES 400 million from brands in 2023.
Rental income from equipment: KES 750 million annually 2022.
Tax revenue from film: KES 900 million in 2021.
Crowdfunding success: KES 150 million raised for 50 projects 2023.
Ancillary spending (catering, transport): KES 2.8 billion in 2022.
Local content quotas generated KES 1.1 billion for producers 2022.
Kenyan films earned KES 450 million from Netflix deals in 2023.

Economic Impact Interpretation

Kenya’s film industry is a scrappy but sharp economic contender, punching impressively above its weight in job creation and local investment while desperately trying to dodge the pirate lurking around every profitable corner.

Infrastructure and Regulation

72 film studios operational across Kenya in 2023.
Digital cinemas screens: 156 nationwide in 2022.
KFCB classification certificates issued: 450 in 2023.
Film fund allocations: KES 300 million via KFC in 2022.
25% tax rebate policy approved for foreign films 2021.
Post-production houses: 42 equipped facilities 2023.
Anti-piracy raids: 1,200 conducted in 2022.
Equipment rental hubs: 18 in Nairobi alone 2023.
Local content quota: 40% on pay TV since 2020.
Kalasha Festival budget: KES 50 million annually.
Streaming regulation framework drafted in 2023.
Sound stages built: 12 new ones since 2021.
Film permit processing time reduced to 7 days in 2022.
Archival footage digitized: 5,000 hours by NFVDF 2023.
Insurance mandates cover 85% of productions 2022.
EAC film protocol signed by Kenya 2021.
Mobile cinema units: 35 deployed in rural areas 2023.
Data protection compliance: 95% for VOD platforms 2022.
Export license issuances: 120 in 2023.
Training centers: 15 accredited by TVET 2022.
Power backup generators in studios: 90% coverage 2023.
Rating system appeals: 45 resolved in 2022.
Co-production treaty with France ratified 2021.
High-speed internet for post: 1Gbps in 20 hubs 2023.
Safety audits on sets: 320 conducted 2022.
Distribution networks: 45 licensed companies 2023.
Subsidy for rural shoots: KES 20 million disbursed 2022.
NFT platform for film rights piloted with 10 projects 2023.
Green production guidelines adopted by 60% studios 2022.

Infrastructure and Regulation Interpretation

Kenya’s film industry is no longer just whispering “lights, camera, action,” but loudly building the set, securing the funding, training the crew, protecting the copyright, and rolling out the red carpet for a serious global close-up.

Production and Output

In 2022, Kenya's film industry produced 278 feature films, a 22% increase from 2021 driven by digital platforms.
Riverwood produced 156 local language films in 2021, with Sheng dominating at 45%.
Kenya released 89 international co-productions in 2023, partnering mainly with South Africa and Nigeria.
Average production budget for a Kenyan feature film in 2022 was KES 5.2 million (USD 40,000).
67% of Kenyan films in 2022 were shot using digital cameras under KES 2 million budget.
Kenya Film Commission supported 45 projects with grants totaling KES 120 million in 2022.
Number of short films produced annually reached 450 in 2023, up 18% from previous year.
112 documentaries were produced in Kenya in 2021 focusing on wildlife and culture.
Animation films output grew to 23 titles in 2022 from 12 in 2020.
76% of productions in 2023 utilized Nairobi as primary shooting location.
Kenya exported 34 films to East African markets in 2022.
Post-production services handled 210 projects domestically in 2021.
51 horror genre films were made in Riverwood in 2022, leading genre trends.
Women-directed films numbered 42 out of 278 total in 2022.
165 music videos were produced as film-adjacent content in 2023.
Script registrations at KFCB hit 320 in 2022.
28 films qualified for international festivals from Kenya in 2023.
Average shooting days per feature film: 18 days in 2022.
95 TV series episodes produced locally in 2021.
Virtual production pilots: 5 projects in Kenya 2023.
142 commercials filmed in Kenya for global brands in 2022.
Film festival submissions from Kenya: 210 in 2022.
67% of films used local VFX in 2023, totaling 186 projects.
Kenya's film output per capita: 0.005 films per person in 2022.
39 children's films produced in 2021.
Drone footage used in 112 films in 2023.
256 permits issued for film shoots in national parks 2022.
18 3D films produced experimentally in 2023.
Co-productions with Nollywood: 22 in 2022.
Total film scripts approved: 289 in 2023.

Production and Output Interpretation

Kenya's film industry is sprinting forward on a shoestring budget, where a 22% surge in feature films is fueled by digital platforms and local-language Riverwood hits, yet its reach is expanding through savvy African co-productions and a determined, if under-resourced, creative spirit that’s mastering VFX and sending more films to festivals.

Talent and Workforce

Number of trained directors: 1,200 certified by 2023.
Actors registered with union: 8,500 in 2022.
Women in key crew roles: 32% in 2023 productions.
Film school graduates annually: 450 from local institutions 2022.
Average salary for lead actor: KES 150,000 per film 2023.
Cinematographers: 650 professionals active in 2021.
Scriptwriters guild members: 420 in 2022.
Editors trained via UNESCO: 280 since 2020.
Youth apprenticeships: 1,500 placed in 2023.
International awards for actors: 15 wins in 2022.
Sound technicians: 320 certified in 2021.
Producers with business training: 180 from KFC programs 2023.
Diversity in casting: 25% non-Kenyan East Africans in 2022.
Child actors protected: 450 registered with guidelines 2023.
VFX artists: 450 freelancers in 2022.
Location managers: 120 active nationwide 2021.
Make-up artists union: 650 members 2023.
Music composers for film: 210 credited in 2022.
Stunt coordinators: 85 trained professionals 2023.
Grip and lighting crew: 1,800 workers in 2021.
Diaspora talent returnees: 320 in industry since 2020.
Mentorship programs graduated 750 talents in 2022.
Foreign crew visas issued: 450 for 2023 shoots.
Union wage agreements cover 60% of workforce 2022.
Animation specialists: 120 trained in 2023.
Costume designers: 380 portfolios registered 2021.
Production assistants: 2,500 entry-level jobs filled 2022.
Award-winning directors: 45 under 35 in 2023.
Language dubbing experts: 150 for Swahili-English 2022.

Talent and Workforce Interpretation

While Kenya's film industry boasts a promising army of over 10,000 trained creatives and crew, the real plot twist is whether this growing talent can unite to build a sustainable ecosystem that moves beyond one-off productions and truly values its women, its youth, and its own economic potential.

Sources & References

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