Nairobi: In a move aimed at strengthening film distribution, talent development, and creative entrepreneurship, the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) has unveiled an ultra-modern cinema theatre and film hub at the Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) in Nyeri.
According to Kenya News Agency, the cinema, named the KFC-CineHub, will serve as a film exhibition and audience development center, supporting capacity building, research, talent incubation, and creative entrepreneurship. The facility aims to bring infrastructure closer to audiences, filmmakers, and content creators, while expanding distribution networks for locally produced content and unlocking monetization opportunities for creatives.
Noah Otiende, Director at the Directorate of Films, conveyed a speech on behalf of Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs. In the speech, Jacobs stated that the facility would help translate government policy into practical opportunities for young people, addressing longstanding challenges in the creative industry. He encouraged students, filmmakers, and creatives to fully utilize the facility as a hub of creativity and collaboration.
Fikirini further emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the creative ecosystem through partnerships and investments. He encouraged graduates and emerging creatives to use their skills to tell Kenyan stories, establish enterprises, create employment, and compete in international markets.
The Nyeri facility is part of a growing network of KFC-supported film hubs, including the Uriri Film Hub in Migori County and the Bomet Film Hub in Bomet County. The launch coincided with the graduation of 139 young creatives who completed a film capacity-building program provided by KFC, DeKUT, and the Kenya Film School.
KFC Board Chairman Sudi Wandabusi highlighted the facility’s role in Kenya’s film exhibition ecosystem, urging stakeholders to ensure it is fully utilized. He stressed the importance of collaboration between government, academia, and industry players to strengthen Kenya’s film ecosystem.
KFC CEO Timothy Owase underscored the hub’s potential as an entertainment hub and platform for preserving culture. He lauded the university’s leadership for recognizing the need for spaces that nurture creativity and innovation, encouraging students to take full advantage of the facility.
DeKUT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter Ng’ang’a expressed the university’s commitment to empowering young people through the integration of technology and creative arts. He noted that the facility provides students with opportunities to develop their creative abilities in line with the demands of the creative economy.
