Sakaja Clarifies Nairobi Filming Fees Are Targeted at Commercial Productions, Not Ordinary Content Creators

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has clarified that the recently introduced filming fees under the Nairobi City County Finance Act, 2026, are aimed at regulating professional and commercial film productions rather than ordinary content creators or social media influencers.

According to the Finance Act, local commercial filming attracts a fee of Sh8,000 per shooting session, while foreign commercial productions are charged Sh50,000. Music video shoots incur a Sh10,000 fee, and religious or private filming also costs Sh8,000 per session. Content creators operating permanent studios must pay an annual fee of Sh40,000.

Focus on Large-Scale Productions

Sakaja emphasized the distinction between individual content creators and large productions that require extensive use of public infrastructure. "There is a clear difference between a content creator shooting a video for social media and a large film production arriving with a crew, equipment, vehicles, and requiring temporary closure or controlled use of roads," he said.

He noted that such commercial productions often involve specialized equipment and multiple vehicles, necessitating regulation to ensure smooth use of public spaces.

Additional Charges on Digital and Entertainment Sectors

The Finance Act also imposes levies on various digital entertainment platforms and events, including:

• Local streaming services: Sh100,000 annually
• Digital content hubs: Sh80,000 annually
• Social media influencers hosting monetized events: Sh10,000 per event
• Television stations: Sh200,000 annually
• Radio stations: Sh150,000 annually
• Cinemas and theatres: Sh100,000 annually per screen
• Online entertainment events: Sh15,000 per event

Noise permits also carry fees, such as Sh20,000 for weddings in residential areas and between Sh20,000 to Sh100,000 annually for clubs, depending on capacity.

Support for the Creative Sector

Governor Sakaja reiterated the county government's commitment to fostering Nairobi's creative economy, recognizing its role in providing livelihoods and promoting the city internationally. He assured that the new regulations are not intended to stifle creativity but to provide a clear framework for managing large-scale productions that heavily use public resources.

While some filmmakers and independent creators have expressed concerns over the costs and differentiation between local and foreign productions, Sakaja stressed that the measures aim to balance support for creatives with the need to regulate commercial use of public spaces.