Licenses & Taxation

Licenses

1. Production Licenses

The Department of Film Services (www.filmservices.go.ke) handles film production licensing in Kenya. Film Licensing is a simple and relatively cheap procedure.

How much will the license cost?

Documentaries, Dramas, Short features/ Ads and Stills: Ksh 5,000 (70 USD)
Full-Length Feature films and Reality TV shows: Ksh 15,000 (210 USD)

How long will it take to get a license?

For a feature film / drama: LICENSE ISSUED WITHIN TWO (2) DAYS OF APPLICATION
For a documentary: LICENSE ISSUED IMMEDIATELY

What is needed in order to get a license?

A FILM LICENSE MUST BE APPLIED FOR THROUGH A LICENSED FILM AGENT. A LIST OF AGENTS CAN BE FOUND HERE

Requirements

For a feature film / drama: an application from the Department of Film Services, one copy of the script, a story synopsis sent to the Film Licensing officer *

For a documentary: fill out an application for the Film Licensing Officer*

How much will filming cost?

Filming Fees per day are Ksh. 1, 000 (14USD)


FOR THOSE WISHING TO SET UP A PRODUCTION AGENCY IN KENYA, THE FOLLOWING FEES SHOULD BE NOTED:

Registration of Agency Ksh.12, 000 (166 USD)
Annual Agency Renewal Ksh.12, 000 (166 USD)

This process is handled by the Department of Film Services.


2. Exhibition Licenses
The Film and Stage Plays Act, Chapter 222 of the Laws of Kenya, has recently undergone radical amendments, which has seen all requirements for cinema exhibition licenses abolished. This applies to all premises for the public exhibition of films.

Taxation
Kenya's tax regime is highly conducive for investment. Rebates for Value Added Tax – currently at 16% - are available through productions, which have been accorded Export Processing Zone (EPZ) status through a local production company. This is in the form of an exemption granted at source, and covers all purchases that attract VAT.

Frequently asked questions on the tax and investment climate in Kenya including the types of incentives offered can be found here (http://www.information.go.ke/docs/Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.pdf).

Further information is provided through the Ministry of Trade and Industry here (http://www.tradeandindustry.go.ke/documents/di_policy_investments_in_kenya.pdf).