The government has identified the film industry as a key growth sector with the ability to spur economic, social and cultural growth. It is in line with this that the Ministry of Information, in collaboration with the Film Commission and Department of Film Services embarked on the process of drafting the National Film Policy.

After inviting key stakeholders from the film industry, input into this crucial document has begun in earnest. A weak policy has greatly hampered the growth of the film industry and hence, mechanisms need to be put in place to ensure that Kenya’s potential for benefiting from the film industry be fully exploited.

The film policy document intends to identify and acknowledge these prevailing challenges and set out to address those challenges.

The first draft was prepared in May 2008 after which the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Dr. B. Ndemo convened a working committee to refine the draft before presentation to the stakeholders.

The Working Committee has since completed its deliberations and is set to present their refined version to Dr. Ndemo this month.

Some of the highlights of the document include:

• Background of the industry.
• Analyses of existing policies
• Challenges facing the industry
• Frameworks for policy implementation
• Way forward