County bags Sh40 billion film deal in bid to create jobs, end poverty

By KAMAU MAICHUHIE

KIAMBU COUNTY: The film industry seems to be headed for good tidings after Kiambu became the second county after Machakos to sign a multi-billion shilling deal with a film company.

The Sh40 billion ten-year deal signed between Kiambu County government and the Film Village of Kenya will see the development of art film facilities in the county like sound studios, theaters and stages on a 300 acre piece of land in Juja.

Rachel Wainaina the CEO Film Village of Kenya said the first phase of the project will kick off in March with Sh300 million earmarked for that purpose.

Kiambu County deputy governor Gerald Githinji said the project would help in tapping talent from the youth which he said would go a long way in creating employment opportunities.

“We welcome the film makers to our county. The county government will accord the necessary support and incentives to film makers in order to make this project a success because when it does, the county succeeds as well. The county offers good film sites like forests, falls, caves, old and new buildings which are crucial in production,” Githinji said.

Ephantus Njenga the chairman of the Film Village of Kenya said Kiambu offers a good natural backdrop for film production.

Njenga noted that time was ripe for the country to fully embrace the film industry. He said the industry is slowly coming of age and called upon the national and county governments to incorporate film in job creation and poverty eradication.

Beautiful sites

“The county has a good proximity to Nairobi which is a premier location for entertainment. It also has beautiful sites which will be instrumental in shooting and production of world class films and movies,” Njenga said.

“I’m overjoyed in the signing of this agreement,” said Esther Ndirangu the county executive member for education, culture and social services.

The launch comes soon after Machakos County launched a similar one dubbed ‘Machawood’.