Counties within the North Rift Economic Block (NOREB) zone have said they will partner with Kenya Film Commission (KFC), to promote film industry in the country.
NOREB Chief executive officer, CEO Dominic Biwott said the industry has for a long time remained dormant and time was ripe to revive and promote the industry.
The North Rift, he said is endowed with beautiful sceneries suitable for filming adding that if natured well, the sector has great potential to make the NOREB counties grow economically.
On its part KFC said it will enter into partnership with the NOREB counties to sensitize local film makers and other stakeholders to adopt film production as an economic empowerment venture.
Speaking during a stakeholder’s engagement forum with NOREB representatives at an Eldoret hotel Thursday, the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer Timothy Owase said they are pushing for an empowerment fund in all counties and an establishment of a film policy bill that will promote a vibrant local film industry.
Owase said they have introduced a program called ‘My County My Story’ which aims to have film business done at the county level by telling stories in counties and mobilizing resources from counties to develop the sector.
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno said there are opportunities in the creative sector that can be used to market Kenya, help people connect, provide psychosocial support and create employment.
The DG asked the youth to embrace film making and use available technology like smartphones to reach a bigger audience.
By Kiptanui Cherono
