On November 20, 2018, ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru said the government would begin licensing the use of drones in film production as part of a broader push to support Kenya’s creative economy.
Speaking at a Film Industry Stakeholders’ meeting in Nairobi, Mucheru said the plan was tied to government work with development partners and the private sector to attract more investment into the industry. He told filmmakers who intended to shoot with drones to apply for clearance through the ministry.
Mucheru said the state was also working on infrastructure meant to strengthen the sector, including creative and performing arts theatres and film studios across the country. He added that the government wanted to streamline licensing so approvals could be processed faster.
“Let us not use lack of policy as a reason to delay. Lawmakers will catch up with you,” Mucheru said.
He pointed to M-Pesa as an example of an innovation that grew before lawmakers put formal rules in place. In his view, drone licensing for filmmakers would help draw investment, create jobs, and support growth in the creative industry.
The CS also said China had opened its film market to Kenya and was willing to work with local filmmakers on productions that could be screened there. He said the private sector should take the lead in developing talent, noting that demand for local content remained high across Africa.
Mucheru further said international filmmakers were interested in shooting at the equator and featuring African people and culture in their work. He said the creative economy had the potential to generate wealth and employment if the sector was properly supported.
Nyakundi Report notes that the publication date for this archive item is November 20, 2018.
