🎬 A New Home for Kenyan Film
Kenya’s film and creative industries are getting a major shot in the arm with plans to establish a dedicated Film District in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
The initiative, jointly unveiled by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports and the Nairobi City County Government, will center around the Kenya Cinema building — long regarded as a symbol of Kenya’s cinematic history.
According to government officials, the new district will serve as a one-stop hub for film production, screening, and post-production, complete with co-working spaces, editing studios, training centers, and art galleries.
“We’re reclaiming the Kenya Cinema space as the heartbeat of our film industry,” said PS Fikirini Jacobs, emphasizing the government’s goal to create a thriving ecosystem for creatives and investors alike.
🏗️ Inside the Vision
The Film District will feature:
- Modern production studios for local and international shoots
- A creative incubator zone for scriptwriters, editors, and sound engineers
- Public theatres & screening rooms to showcase Kenyan films
- A digital content hub for film-tech, VR, and streaming innovations
- Tourism-linked attractions, promoting film trails and heritage tours in Nairobi
The concept draws inspiration from global creative clusters such as Johannesburg’s Arts District and Lagos’ Nollywood City, while integrating Kenya’s unique blend of heritage and modern film talent.
💰 Boosting the Creative Economy
The Film District project aligns with the government’s Creative Economy Blueprint (2024–2030), which aims to expand Kenya’s cultural industries to contribute 5% of GDP by 2030.
By centralizing film activities in Nairobi, officials expect to attract investment, jobs, and collaborations with streaming giants such as Netflix and Showmax, which have already produced multiple Kenya-based series.
“We want to give filmmakers not just a space — but a home,” said Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, adding that city zoning reforms will ensure long-term sustainability for creative ventures in the area.
🎥 Kenya’s Film Momentum
The announcement follows a string of Kenyan cinematic successes:
- Bus 338’s London premiere drew international praise.
- Supa Modo and Click Click Bang continue to stream globally.
- Kenya’s participation in the SSMB29 production earlier this year boosted its reputation for international filming logistics.
Together, these milestones signal a renaissance in Kenyan cinema — one that the Film District aims to cement into lasting infrastructure.
🌍 What’s Next
The project is currently in planning and design stages, with consultations underway between the Film Classification Board, Kenya Film Commission, and private developers.
Renovation of the Kenya Cinema site is expected to begin in early 2026, transforming one of Nairobi’s oldest cultural landmarks into a state-of-the-art creative hub.