The Kenyan film industry is a vibrant and talented creative hub, boasting a wealth of skilled actors, directors, and producers. However, behind the glitz and glamour lies a dark underbelly of exploitation, financial hardship, and a severe lack of government support. In this comprehensive blog, we delve into the challenges faced by Kenyan actors and filmmakers, and explore the urgent need for reforms and policies to protect the rights and well-being of those working in this crucial creative sector.

Exploitation and Sexual Exploitation: The Ugly Truth

One of the most disturbing issues plaguing the Kenyan film industry is the rampant exploitation, particularly of female actors. Many have come forward to share their harrowing experiences of being forced into situations they are deeply uncomfortable with, just to secure roles or maintain their careers. This sexual exploitation is a blatant violation of human rights and dignity, and it is a systemic problem that must be addressed.

“Exploitation is that something you’ve ever [encountered] especially [for] female [actors]?” the video’s host asks. The response is a resounding “Yes, exactly.” The interviewee goes on to describe how actors, especially those passionate about their craft, end up being exploited “by force.” This is a chilling revelation that sheds light on the dark underbelly of an industry that should be empowering and nurturing talent.

Lack of Policies, Unions, and Government Support

The lack of proper policies, guidelines, and unions to protect the rights of actors is another major challenge facing the Kenyan film industry. Without these crucial safeguards, actors are left vulnerable to exploitation and are unable to secure fair compensation and royalties for their work.

“There must be a guideline [or] policy which will be laid down by a guild or a union,” the interviewee explains. However, he notes that these unions cannot be private entities, but rather must have government backing to be truly effective. This lack of government support and intervention is a significant barrier to the industry’s growth and sustainability.

The video highlights the stark contrast between the Kenyan film industry and the thriving creative sectors in countries like Nigeria and India, where the government actively supports and promotes the arts. “Nigeria has become one of the biggest the biggest art industry [in] Africa why because the government is backing them up,” the interviewee states.

The Financial Struggle of Established Actors

Even established and legendary actors in the Kenyan film industry are not immune to financial hardship. The video reveals the paradoxical situation where actors who are widely recognized and popular still struggle to make ends meet, while news anchors and other professionals are paid significantly more.

“Mean so popular to everyone but you have [no] money,” the interviewee laments. “They drink too much you don’t know what happen to their life[s].” This stark contrast between public recognition and financial stability is a sobering reminder of the precarious nature of being an actor in Kenya.

As actors grow older, their value and compensation tend to decrease, further exacerbating the financial challenges they face. “As you’re growing old, it’s going down the value is going down as time is going up,” the interviewee explains. This phenomenon highlights the urgent need for policies and structures that can protect the livelihoods of actors throughout their careers.

The Rise of “Fake” Actors and Undermining of Professionalism

Another alarming trend in the Kenyan film industry is the rise of “fake” or amateur actors being hired for productions, often at much lower pay. This practice not only exploits these inexperienced individuals but also undermines the professional actors and the industry as a whole.

“They easily run to University and call a student who is not an artist [and say], ‘I can you do this, I show you how to do it, we will pay you 50,000 sh,'” the interviewee reveals. This blatant disregard for professional standards and the exploitation of students is a concerning issue that must be addressed.

The interviewee emphasizes the need for clear distinctions between professional and amateur work, as well as legal measures to protect the industry from such practices. “We have to have a policy from Parliament by the government right as a separate professional work and amateur work to who is a professional and who is an amateur,” he states.

The Way Forward: Unions, Government Backing, and Policy Reform

The video highlights the urgent need for a strong union or guild, backed by the government, to protect the rights and interests of Kenyan actors and filmmakers. This would help ensure fair compensation, royalties, and working conditions, as well as provide a legal framework to address issues like exploitation and the hiring of amateur actors.

“When these [actors] act, they won’t come to me direct, they’ll go to my union,” the interviewee explains. “The union will summon us and then Union will negotiate on our behalf [because] the union has lawyers that for our advantage for the [actors’] Advantage.”

Furthermore, the interviewee emphasizes the crucial role the government must play in supporting the film industry. “We need some like I [don’t] understand why MPs have never seen this as a as something to go to Parliament and contend on,” he states. “They’re bright enough to know that art can be actually could become the biggest Revenue earner in this country.”

By implementing comprehensive policies, providing financial and infrastructural support, and fostering a conducive environment for the film industry, the Kenyan government can unlock the tremendous potential of this creative sector, transforming it into a major economic driver and source of national pride.

Conclusion

​The Kenyan film industry is at a crossroads, grappling with a multitude of challenges that threaten the well-being and livelihoods of its talented actors and filmmakers. From rampant exploitation and sexual abuse to a lack of government support and professional safeguards, the industry faces a daunting uphill battle.

However, the path forward is clear: the establishment of strong unions and guilds, backed by the government, must be a top priority. These institutions can provide the necessary legal and financial protections to ensure that actors are treated with dignity, compensated fairly, and empowered to thrive in their craft.

Furthermore, the Kenyan government must recognize the immense value and potential of the film industry, and commit to fostering its growth through targeted policies, funding, and infrastructure development. By doing so, the country can unleash the creative potential of its people, transforming the film industry into a powerful engine of economic and cultural prosperity.

The journey ahead may be arduous, but the rewards are immense. With the right interventions and a steadfast commitment to change, the Kenyan film industry can emerge from the shadows of exploitation and neglect, and shine as a beacon of artistic excellence and social justice. It is time for action, and the future of this vital creative sector hangs in the balance.