November 19^th 2018              By Cheruiyot Korir

The government has said film makers who plan to shoot in the country using drones are encouraged to apply for clearance to use the technology.

Cabinet Secretary for ICT Mr Joe Mucheru said although flying of drones were regulated in the country film makers could apply for licencing for use to encourage investment in the creative industry in Kenya.

Speaking at the Intercontinental hotel today during the Film industry stake holders’ meeting, Mr Mucheru  said the government plans to develop infrastructure to grow the creative and film industry through construction of creative and performing art theatres and film studios across the country.

The Cabinet Secretary said China has opened its film market to Kenya and were willing to work with local film makers to produce creative works that would be screened in China.

He said the government will streamline licencing of filming in the country to facilitate fast processing and issuance. He said the creative economy had huge potential to create employment and generate wealth in the country.

Mr Mucheru said there was a growing global demand on African content and called for the private sector to inject capital to develop talent and create jobs. He explained that international filmmakers were interested in shooting films at the equator featuring people and culture of the continent.

The chairman of the Film Commission of Kenya Mr Chris Foot said there’s need to increase budgetary allocation to the industry to encourage capacity building and development