Kenya
Location: East Africa
Currencies
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Q. Are there any requirements, when sending KES?
A. Just your details, the beneficiary details and the purpose of the payment. It is also mandatory that you send the beneficiary’s International Bank Account Number (IBAN). In some cases, the payment beneficiary could possibly be required to provide documentation, to comply with Kenyan exchange control regulations and applicable local banking regulations. In other circumstances, the Central Bank of Kenya may require to see some additional supporting documentation.
Q. Can I send inbound and outbound payments?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions on sending money into or outside of Kenya. However, if you are making payments in KES to other countries, it is vital to be able to provide evidence of a commercial transaction. It is forbidden to make payments that are associated with currency speculation.
Q. How much can I send?
A. As much as you want.
Q. How long will it take for my funds to be received?
A. Standard international payment times but, with the right foreign exchange broker, you can receive funds as fast as the very next day.
Q. Who can I send KES to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds.
Q. Is sending KES expensive?
A. Not if you use the right currency broker, who will be able to offer you bank-beating exchange rates and significantly lower payment charges.
Q. Can you use forward contracts with KES?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book a KES exchange rate forward but expert advice is required.
Information courtesy of Currencies Direct.
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Foreign crew typically enter Kenya on a tourist visa, which most nationalities can pick up on arrival. Alternatively crew can apply online for visas in advance. Visas are valid for up to 90 days.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be asked for on entry to Kenya.
A Kenyan fixer or service producer can organise Special Passes for each visiting crew member, which will serve as temporary work permits. These take approximately two weeks to a month to process, so the applications must be filed well in advance of crew arrival.
Kenya has an agreement with Tanzania and Uganda to waiver visa re-entry fees, when travelling between the three countries. Similarly, obtaining an East Africa Visa allows multiple entry travel between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.
Film Location Permits
A filming license must be obtained through a local, registered production service provider and issued by the Department of Film Services (DFS). The cost varies depending on the type of production and number of shoot days. A film license can take anywhere from one to three days to process. Once this is processed, all other permits can be arranged.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Kenya is not an ATA carnet country.
Kenya houses all of the modern equipment found in any major production centre. Aerial rigs aren’t typically housed in Kenya, so they would need to come in from Europe, Dubai, India or South Africa.
When to Film
When to Film
Kenya sits on the equator, so it’s never really too hot or too cold in Nairobi.
The long rains come in March and April, and the short rains come in October and November. The long rains can be very intense, with power outages and travel delays common during that time.
Kenya is a predominately Christian country, so those holidays are observed.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Kenya.
Costs & VAT
Kenya is a relatively cost efficient place to film a diversity of African scenery, especially for larger shoots that require an established local film infrastructure. Overall, local costs are comparable to Tanzania.
The standard VAT rate in Kenya, at the time of writing, is set at 16%.
Funding & Tax Incentives
Tax Incentives
At the time of writing, this country does not have any filming incentives. However, up-to-date information on global filming incentives may be found on the Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map.