Kenya’s film industry is entering a new era as virtual production takes centre stage, redefining how stories are imagined, created, and delivered. This shift gained major traction during a groundbreaking workshop held from March 4–5, 2025, at Konza Technopolis, where the Kenya Film Commission (KFC), in partnership with Konza Technopolis and Design Factory, trained 100 filmmakers, 2D animators, and 3D animators in cutting-edge techniques such as Virtual Studios, Extended Reality (XR), and Augmented Reality (AR). The best 12 trainees were then selected for a three-month intensive program, giving them hands-on experience with real-world virtual production workflows. By merging creativity with advanced digital tools like real-time rendering and LED volume stages, the program demonstrated how immersive environments can be built faster and more cost-effectively than with traditional film sets.
Leaders in the sector highlighted the transformative potential of these technologies. John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis, noted that virtual production is reshaping the creative economy and urged local filmmakers to embrace it to stay globally competitive. Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Kaggia echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how accessible software and hardware now enable small teams and independent creators to achieve premium-quality visuals once limited to big-budget studios. As global demand for high-quality digital content grows, these skills position Kenyan creatives to compete in television, advertising, documentaries, and feature film production. The Konza initiative signals a future where Kenyan filmmakers can create complex worlds without the constraints of travel, weather, or expensive physical sets.
This strategic upskilling effort aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes digital innovation and local content creation. With continued investment from the government, private stakeholders, and film institutions, Kenya has the potential to become a regional hub for immersive production and a preferred destination for international studios seeking virtual production expertise. Challenges like high equipment costs and limited industry awareness still exist, but consistent training, collaboration, and infrastructure development will accelerate adoption. The momentum at Konza Technopolis marks a pivotal moment for the country’s creative sector—one where storytellers are empowered with world-class tools, and Kenya is poised to take its place as a global leader in next-generation film and media innovation.