How to obtain Kenya Filming Permits and Licenses

How to obtain Kenya Filming Permits and Licenses. Eco Film Fixers assist in processing your film permits to shoot documentaries and videos in selected locations in Kenya. The process needs time, but when we start it, the turnaround is quick. Kenya being an attractive filming location compared to other countries in East Africa; it attracts more people during some periods, which include the great migrations. You may be required to contact us in advance to chat about the best time for your video and documentary shoot. The government of Kenya is very supportive, and processing your filming permit should not take more than two weeks.

We request all Television, Production companies, and film crews to submit their applications and related paperwork to us so that we forward them for processing. All those interested in filming in Kenya have to apply through a local fixer/agent registered with the ministry. For one to get permission to film in Kenya, you must provide details of the project include who is behind it, why, and when it is going to take place.

For more information about processing filming permissions to shoot commercial videos and documentaries, please feel free to contact us.

About Kenya Film Commission

A Licensing office issues filming license in Kenya at the department of filming services at the Ministry of Information and communications(Kenya Filming commission). Being a government body, some bureaucratic tendencies may be experienced with a slow email response and no phone calls. It is, therefore, imperative to all international and foreign film crews and production companies to employ services of a local registered agent/fixer to process and apply for filming license on their behalf. Let us discuss this together.

Eco Film fixers has overtime worked and successfully executed this process diligently due to our excellent working relations with our local agents. We make sure that the process is speeded up by making follow-ups in terms of calls and email correspondences.

The following comprehensive list of paper work will be required

• Formal letter of application.
• Application form itself
• List of all foreign crew members, giving names, nationalities, passport numbers, and dates of expiry of passports.
• Script and synopsis or storyboard.
• List of equipment to be imported for shooting purposes, the value of each piece of equipment, etc. This is part of the process and determines the fee for the equipment. Do not worry; it is not excessive.

There are fees involved (over and above the Agent Fee, which is negotiable depending on their involvement).

• Initial Fee for documentaries, dramas, short features, advertising, and stills – Kshs. 5000 (US$50)
• Initial Fee for a full-length feature film – Kshs. 15,000 (US$150)
• Filming fee per day – Kshs 1000 (US$10)
• Filming Special Pass (per crew member) – US$150

The process may take some time, but we will ensure that all filming licenses are processed in time for your shoot.

Top Places to film in Nairobi City, Kenya

Kenya is truly a beautiful country. It tells a story of contrasting landscape, treasured wildlife, all year round sunshine and hospitable people and its major hub is Nairobi. The following are the major spots of the city great for filming each has its unique aspect of History, Geography and Culture, some are located within the city and others in the city environs.

The Nairobi National Museum

The Nairobi National Museum is an archive of Kenya’s history, geography and culture, the museum gives you an opportunity to have an in-depth insight about Kenya and what it has to offer. At the museum you will be able to film tradition Kenyan cultural artifacts, rare minerals, stuffed birds and live snakes among other attractions depicting Kenya’s history.

The Nairobi National Park

The park is located just 7 kilometers away from Nairobi. Nairobi National Park is unique in being the only protected area in the world with a variety of animals and birds close to the capital city. The park gives you an opportunity to film the country’s beautiful and diverse wildlife. The park has over 80 recorded mammal species including buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard, crocodile and hippos, over 400 bird species can be spotted in the park. The park is also known as one of the most successful Kenya Rhino sanctuaries.

Giraffe Manor, Hotel with Giraffes

Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel owned by The Safari Collection, it is one of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in Kenya. The most fascinating thing about the Giraffe Manor is the resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who at times visit the hotel in the morning and evening that poke their long necks into the windows in a hope to receive some food and treat. This is great to film during filming in Nairobi and a night stay here can be included as part of the complete tailor-made filming itinerary in Kenya.

Nairobi Animal Orphanage

Nairobi Animal Orphanage is another great to film in Nairobi; it is the oldest animal orphanage in Kenya. It is located amidst the lush vegetation of Nairobi National Park, it was established in 1964 as a refuge and rehabilitation centre for wild animals found abandoned or injured in Kenya. Animals received at the Orphanage centre go through a medical extermination followed by treatment before entering a feeding and rehabilitation program.

Nairobi Safari Walk

The Nairobi Safari Walk is a showcase for Kenya’s parks and reserves allowing visitors to discover what they can expect to see across the country. On this walk you will have an opportunity to film and see a sample of the country’s rich animal life up-close including the rare bongo, white rhino and albino zebra as well as cats, antelopes and primates.

The Karen Blixen Museum

The Karen Blixen Museum is a former home of coffee planter and author Karen Blixen, this provides a window into the country’s colonial history. At the museum you will film the museum’s coffee plants, facilities, agricultural college, and memorabilia describing the country’s past.

The Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC)

Nairobi city is a hub for business leaders, diplomats and international exhibitions which are hosted in the Kenyatta International Conference Center. Filming the KICC will give you an opportunity to capture and show a glimpse of Nairobi’s present and future as a center of business in Africa.

The Ngongo Hills

The Ngongo Hills present a different between urban modernity and beautiful undisturbed nature which is present in Nairobi. At the Hills you will be able to film where areas where the edge of the city meets Kenya’s lush rural landscapes.

Kibera Slum in Nairobi

Kibera slum is the largest slum in Nairobi. It offers an opportunity to film the day to leaving of Kenyans in the slums, at this slum there is also an opportunity to see giraffes roaming a savannah near to the city.

Vehicle Hire Services in Nairobi

Eco Film Fixers Kenya will help you organize transport for film crews to film in Nairobi depending on their interest, budget and the nature of roads in such selected locations to film in the park. We recommend Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers which costs from USD200-250 per vehicle per day with Driver/Fixer or 4×4 Safari Vans from USD200 per Van per day with driver/Fixer. For us to estimate how much it will cost in terms of fuel, we will need to look at your filming schedule to establish mileage and distance to be travelled. We also organize both charter and schedule air transport for those that need to fly in order to reduce on the number of hours.

Fixers in Nairobi

All our vehicles come with drivers who act as location fixers and most of them have been to almost all parts of Kenya and are thus conversant with the local situations and are able to provide relevant information and fix any situation on ground. These act as intermediaries between you and our office while on location in Kenya.

Accommodation in Nairobi City

Lodge options to stay in during filming in Nairobi range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options. You will choose what to stay in depending on your interests and budget. Contact us here for details. Lodges in Kenya Include New Kenya Lodge, Ngongo House, Giraffe Manor, Osoita Lodge, Konar House Lounge among others.

What is the best time to film in Nairobi City?

Filming in Nairobi is done throughout the year and the best time is during the months of December to March and then June to October which is relatively dry than March to May and November. January to March is hot and dry, April to June is hot and wet and July to October is very warm and wet.

How to obtain Kenya Filming Permits and Licenses Through Eco Film Fixers

Eco Film Fixers Kenya, we assist filming companies and Production agencies in Kenya and East Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Congo) as a whole. We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. We have all relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are processed in the shortest time possible. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know about How to obtain Kenya Filming Permits and Licenses.