The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has moved to clarify the filming fees introduced under the Nairobi City County Finance Act, 2026, saying they are not meant to burden ordinary content creators, influencers or young people producing digital content.
Sakaja explained that the charges mainly apply to professional and commercial film productions that require substantial use of public spaces, roads and other county infrastructure.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
He said there is a significant difference between an individual recording routine social media content and a large commercial production involving crews, specialised equipment, vehicles and the temporary occupation or controlled use of public spaces.
The clarification comes amid concerns over fees outlined in the Act’s Tourism Levy and Entertainment Tax schedule, which covers different categories of film, media and content production.
Under the new provisions, local commercial filming attracts a fee of Ksh.8,000 per shoot, while external commercial productions are charged Ksh.50,000. Religious or private filming costs Ksh.8,000, while music video production attracts a Ksh.10,000 charge.
Content creation studios are also subject to an annual fee of Ksh.40,000.
Sakaja said his administration recognises the creative industry as an important source of income, particularly for young people, as well as an effective tool for showcasing Nairobi to audiences locally and internationally.
He maintained that the county has deliberately created room for filmmakers and digital creators to operate in the city and has no intention of introducing regulations that would undermine creativity.
According to the governor, the objective is to ensure that major productions making extensive use of public infrastructure are properly organised while allowing everyday digital content creation to continue without unnecessary restrictions.
Sakaja said Nairobi remains committed to supporting the creative economy while putting in place a framework for commercial productions that make significant demands on county facilities and public spaces.
The county government is expected to issue additional guidance on how the new charges will apply to different categories of filmmakers, content creators and production companies.
