Netflix in Kenya

Netflix has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of ICT that will see the platform inject Ksh 33 million to enhance skill capacity in Kenya’s TV and film industry, as part of its investment in local content.

Netflix, the world’s largest streaming video service, will sponsor Kenyans for film and TV-focused courses in local colleges and universities abroad through a Sh33 million fund. The platform will also help produce three Kenyan movies, which are reportedly already in different stages of production while their licensed local titles are being reviewed by Netflix.

Netflix has been announcing initiatives to broaden content and add customers through new subscriber signups outside of more saturated markets such as the US whose share of streaming demand has been declining.

Kenyan films such as Just in Time, Sincerely Daisy, 40 sticks and Poacher are also gaining popularity on Netflix.

4o Sticks’, Poacher, Sincerely Daisy, and Disconnect are the only three Kenyan films that have premiered on Netflix so far.

“Netflix is excited by the potential of Kenya’s next generation of creative storytellers. We believe there are great stories in Kenya and we want to do our part for Kenya’s creative community by supporting the development of the local film and TV industry and talent pipelines, both in front of and behind the camera, through partnership initiatives,’’ said Netflix’s Director of Series in Africa, Dorothy Ghettuba.

“We also hope that the stories will encompass themes which are unique to Kenya, which our global audiences will find appealing,” she added.

Dorothy Ghettuba, who is a Kenyan Writer and producer joined Netflix as its manager for International Originals in 2019, the same year Netlix announced plans to commission original shows from Africa.

The Boy who Harnessed the Wind, based in Malawi, but featuring Kenyan actors, including the star actor Maxwell Simba, who plays William, is among the African films commissioned by Netflix.

Netflix also bought Nollywood’s movie Lionheart by Genevieve Nnaji in September 2018.

KENYA’S FEMALE FILM MAKERS SCALING THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE- WANURI KAHIU, DOROTHY GHETUBA