How Much Does Video Production Cost in Kenya? A 2026 Guide for NGOs and Companies
What drives video production prices in Kenya in 2026: crew days, editing, permits, travel and languages. Published price ranges, with sources.
“How much will it cost?” is the first question most people ask a production company, and the honest answer is that it depends on a handful of things you can control. This guide explains what those are, shows the price ranges that Kenyan production companies publish, and gives you a way to plan a budget before you speak to anyone.
Figures checked on 29 September 2026. Prices change, so treat them as a guide and confirm with the supplier.
US dollar amounts are approximate and update automatically, using a market rate of KSh 129.73 to US$1 (15 October 2026).
(28 September 2026).
What published price ranges look like
Few Kenyan studios publish prices, but some do. The ranges below come from one Nairobi company’s own guide.
| Type of video | Published range (KSh) | Approx. US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Short social media video | 15,000 to 50,000+ | US$116 to US$385+ |
| Testimonial video | 25,000 to 75,000+ | US$193 to US$578+ |
| Company profile video | 80,000 to 300,000+ | US$617 to US$2,310+ |
| Brand film | 120,000 to 500,000+ | US$925 to US$3,850+ |
| Corporate documentary | 150,000 to 500,000+ | US$1,160 to US$3,850+ |
| Multi-location production | 250,000 to 1,000,000+ | US$1,930 to US$7,710+ |
| High-end commercial or campaign | 500,000 to 1,500,000+ | US$3,850 to US$11,600+ |
Source: Janeson, 19 August 2026. Line items published by Oramedia (undated) are: crew KSh 5,000 to 30,000 (about US$39 to US$231) per person per day, camera kit KSh 10,000 to 50,000 (about US$77 to US$385) per day, and editing KSh 10,000 to 50,000 (about US$77 to US$385) per finished minute.
International directories give another view. On Clutch, minimum project sizes for Nairobi video companies cluster at US$1,000, US$5,000 and US$10,000 and above (checked September 2026).
The seven things that decide your budget
1. Shoot days
The biggest single cost is the number of days a crew spends filming. A one-location interview film can often be shot in a day. A story that follows people over time, or moves between counties, needs more.
2. Crew size
A two-person crew (camera and sound) suits most interviews and documentary work. Add a second camera, a producer or a photographer and the day rate rises.
3. Location and travel
Filming in Nairobi is usually cheapest. Rural and remote locations add fuel, accommodation and allowances. A crew that knows the area and plans the route well can save a lot. Our crew is based in Nairobi and works across East Africa, which keeps travel costs down.
4. Permits
Commercial and documentary films made in Kenya need a filming licence from the Kenya Film Classification Board. National parks charge filming fees on top of entry fees, and drones need separate clearance. See our guide to filming permits in Kenya.
5. Editing and versions
Editing is usually priced by finished minute or by day. Ask how many review rounds are included, and whether social cut-downs, subtitles and a Kiswahili version are in the quote or extra.
6. Music, archive and graphics
Licensed music, archive footage and animated graphics all add cost. Agree them early.
7. Rights and consent
If you plan to use the film for advertising, or for years to come, the rights and consent paperwork needs to say so. It costs little to get right at the start and a lot to fix later.
How to plan a budget in ten minutes
- Write down who the film is for and what you want them to do after watching it.
- Decide the length and where it will be shown.
- List the locations and people you want in it.
- Estimate shoot days: roughly one per location or main character.
- Add editing, versions (cut-downs, languages) and permits.
- Add 10 per cent for contingency, especially for rural shoots.
With that list, any production company can give you a meaningful quote. Without it, you will get a range so wide it is not much use.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Is the quote fixed, and what would change it?
- Are permits, travel and subtitles included?
- How many review rounds are included?
- Who owns the footage, and can we reuse it?
- How do you handle consent, especially for children?
- Can you issue eTIMS invoices? Since January 2026, KRA checks expenses against eTIMS records.
If you are not sure what to ask for, start with our brief template. For NGO projects specifically, see NGO video production or our guide to choosing a video partner for donor-facing work.
Afrovo Studios makes films for NGOs, conservation groups and purpose-led organisations across East Africa. If you are planning a project, get in touch.
