KFCB filming licence fees
From the KFCB service charter, reviewed 2026:
| Production | Licence fee | Per filming day | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Documentary, short film, corporate video, music video, promo | KES 5,000 per film | KES 1,000 | 1 working day |
| Advert | KES 5,000 per film | KES 1,000 | 1 working day |
| Feature film | KES 15,000 per film | KES 1,000 | 2 working days |
| TV series, web series, docuseries | KES 15,000 per season | KES 1,000 | 2 working days |
| Extending a licence | None | KES 1,000 | 1 working day |
Example: a music video shot over 3 days costs KES 5,000 plus KES 3,000, so KES 8,000 in KFCB fees.
Other KFCB fees
- Registering as a local filmmaker: free.
- Registering as a film agent: KES 12,000 a year.
- Recommendation for a work permit: free.
- Classifying a feature or documentary: KES 100 per minute. A poster, trailer or commercial: KES 1,000 each.
How to apply
Apply on KFCB's online licensing system at tms.kfcb.go.ke, or through its eCitizen page at kfcb.ecitizen.go.ke (KFCB). Have ready a synopsis, script or treatment, the shooting schedule and a list of equipment.
KCAA drone permit fees
The Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020 require every drone owner or operator to register it with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. The fees are in Legal Notice No. 4 of 2021:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Import permit | KES 3,000 |
| Registration | KES 3,000 |
| Temporary permit | KES 20,000 |
| Operation authorisation, Category A | KES 2,000 |
| Operation authorisation, Category B or C | KES 2,500 |
| Remote operator certificate (ROC), first issue | KES 80,000 |
| ROC renewal | KES 50,000 |
| Remote pilot licence (RPL) | KES 4,000, plus KES 4,000 for the exam |
| Student remote pilot licence | KES 2,000 |
| RPL renewal | KES 2,000 |
All KCAA services are applied for on ecitizen.kcaa.or.ke and paid through the government paybill 222222; KCAA accepts no other payment channel (KCAA circular 12/23). New drone regulations were published as Legal Notice 40 of 2026, so check the current rules with KCAA before you fly.
Filming in parks
| Where | Charge |
|---|---|
| Nairobi County parks: short documentary, film, corporate video, TV or radio hosting | KES 30,000 a day |
| Nairobi County parks: feature film, TV series, movie | KES 50,000 a day |
| Nairobi County parks: professional photography | KES 500 a day, KES 1,500 in festive season |
| KWS national parks: filming or photography, 1 to 5 crew | KES 16,000 or USD 200 a week |
| KWS national parks: filming or photography, 6 to 10 crew | KES 24,000 or USD 350 a week |
| KWS national parks: filming or photography, 11 or more crew | KES 40,000 or USD 500 a week |
| KWS national parks: each drone | KES 5,000 or USD 300 a day per park, KCAA licence needed |
The Nairobi charges are from the Nairobi City County Finance Act, 2026 and apply to county parks, not national parks. The KWS charges are from the KWS conservation fee card for 2025: the shilling rate is for East African citizens and residents, the dollar rate for other visitors, and park entry is charged on top. Off-road commercial filming also carries an ecological restoration fee of 20% of the cost of the activity. More KWS charges are in KWS park entry fees.
Related
- KWS park entry fees
- Nairobi County fees 2026
- Music royalties in Kenya
- Paying government services by M-PESA
Sources
- KFCB: Citizens' Service Delivery Charter, reviewed 2026
- KFCB: requirements for filming in Kenya
- KFCB: online services, 31 January 2025
- Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020 (Legal Notice 42)
- Civil Aviation (Regulatory Fees and Charges for UAS) Regulations (Legal Notice 4 of 2021)
- KCAA circular 12/23: payment through eCitizen
- Nairobi City County Finance Act, 2026