Filming in Kenya: the KFCB filming licence and Nairobi County fees
Adverts, promos, music videos, short films and documentaries shot in Kenya need a Kenya Film Classification Board filming licence: KES 5,000 per production plus KES 1,000 per filming day, under KFCB’s 2026 service charter. Nairobi County’s Finance Act 2026 adds county filming charges that were still being clarified in late 2026, so check them before a commercial shoot.
Fees in 2026
| Fee | Amount (KES) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| KFCB licence: documentary, short film, music video, promo or advert | 5,000 per production | KFCB charter 2026 |
| KFCB licence: feature film, or a TV or web series season | 15,000 | KFCB charter 2026 |
| KFCB filming fee | 1,000 per filming day | KFCB charter 2026 |
| Nairobi County filming charges (Finance Act 2026) | Reported as KES 5,000 a day for a professional shoot (Techweez) or KES 8,000 per local commercial shoot (Kenyans.co.ke) | Proposed and disputed; check with the county |
Government fees as published or reported in 2026. Check them on eCitizen or with the county before you apply.
Who needs a KFCB filming licence
KFCB’s charter lists filming licences for adverts, promos, music videos, documentaries, short films, feature films and series. You apply online through KFCB’s Transactional Management System (TMS) and eCitizen. The charter lists processing as one to two working days.
Nairobi County charges
Nairobi City County’s Finance Act 2026 introduced new charges for filming and photo shoots. Reports of the amounts differ, and Governor Sakaja said the charges are not meant for ordinary content creators. Until the county publishes clear guidance, treat these figures as proposed and confirm with the county before a commercial shoot.
How we handle it
For adverts, promos and corporate films we apply for the KFCB licence and add the fee to your quote, so the shoot is covered before the cameras arrive. See film and video production and videographer prices.
This page is a guide, not legal advice.
Questions
Do I need a permit to film in Kenya?
For adverts, promos, music videos, documentaries and films, yes: KFCB’s charter lists a filming licence for each of these.
How much is a KFCB filming licence?
KES 5,000 per production for adverts, promos, music videos, documentaries and short films, plus KES 1,000 per filming day, under the 2026 charter.
How long does a filming licence take?
KFCB’s charter lists one to two working days once the application is complete.
Does Nairobi County charge filming fees?
Its Finance Act 2026 lists new filming charges, but reported amounts differ and the Governor said ordinary creators are not targeted. Confirm with the county before a commercial shoot.
Do I need a permit to shoot a music video?
Yes. A music video counts as a production under KFCB’s charter: KES 5,000 plus KES 1,000 per filming day.
Sources
- KFCB Citizens’ Service Charter (reviewed 2026)
- The Star: KFCB expands digital licensing through TMS and eCitizen (July 2026)
- Techweez: Nairobi County Finance Act and photography charges (Aug 2026)
- Kenyans.co.ke: Nairobi County introduces new fees for content creators and filmmakers
- Citizen Digital: Sakaja clarifies film charges
Want an exact price?
Contact
Nairobi, KenyaPhone: +254 748 220 249
Email: [email protected]