Get a filming licence in Kenya (KFCB)
Kenya Film Classification Board · sources read 1 Oct 2026
Apply on KFCB's online system (tms.kfcb.go.ke) with your synopsis or script and shooting schedule, then pay the licence fee (KSh 5,000 for ads, music videos and short films; KSh 15,000 for a feature film or a series season) plus KSh 1,000 per filming day. You can't film in Kenya without it.
- Fee
- KSh 5,000Licence: documentary, short film, corporate video, music video, advert (per film)KSh 15,000Licence: full-length feature film (per film)KSh 15,000Licence: TV series, web series or docuseries (per season)KSh 1,000Filming fee per filming day (also for each extra day)
- How long
- Up to 2 working days (feature films and series); 1 working day for short productions
- Where
- Online on KFCB's TMS (tms.kfcb.go.ke), or at a KFCB office: Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nyeri, Embu or Garissa
What you need
- A filled application form
- Feature film or series: a synopsis and screenplay
- Documentary, short film, corporate or music video: a detailed synopsis, script, treatment or storyboard
- Your shooting schedule and a list of equipment
Steps
- Sign up on KFCB's online system (tms.kfcb.go.ke) and choose Apply for a Filming Licence, or go to a KFCB office.
- Fill in the form and attach your synopsis or script, shooting schedule and equipment list.
- Pay the licence fee for your type of production plus KSh 1,000 for each filming day.
- KFCB issues the licence, within 2 working days at most.
Watch out
- The licence covers one project and only the dates in your shooting schedule. Need more days? Tell KFCB before it expires and pay for each extra day.
- KFCB's licence is the only filming licence you need, but some activities, like flying a drone, need a separate permit from the relevant agency.
- Foreign filmmakers must work through a KFCB-registered local film agent.
Who can apply
- Local and foreign filmmakers shooting in Kenya.
Official sources (5)
- Licensing Film Agents and Filmmakers kfcb.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- KFCB Citizens' Service Charter (English & Swahili), reviewed 2026 kfcb.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) kfcb.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- Requirements for Filming in Kenya kfcb.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- KFCB Technical Management System (TMS) tms.kfcb.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026