Konza Partners with Kenya Film Commission to Train 100 Filmmakers in Virtual Production

Konza Technopolis, in collaboration with the Kenya Film Commission (KFC), has launched a new training initiative aimed at equipping 100 filmmakers, 2D animators, and 3D animators with advanced skills in Virtual Production, including Virtual Studios, Extended Reality (XR), and Augmented Reality (AR).

This training program, which kicked off on 4th March 2025, aligns with Konza’s broader strategy to position Kenya as a leader in emerging creative technologies, further unlocking the potential of Kenya’s fast-growing creative and technology sectors.

Why Virtual Production Matters for Kenya’s Creative Sector

Speaking during the opening of the two-day sensitization workshop, John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis, highlighted that the training is designed to bridge the skills gap in virtual production. It also aims to prepare Kenyan creatives to leverage immersive technologies that are gaining traction across Africa and the world.

Okwiri emphasized that virtual production, which combines live-action footage with real-time digital effects and virtual environments, is transforming the global creative economy, making it essential for Kenyan animators, filmmakers, and producers to adopt these technologies early.

This push towards virtual production complements Kenya’s broader digital transformation efforts, including the 2015 switch to digital terrestrial TV, which opened up more broadcasting opportunities and increased demand for high-quality local content.

Kenya’s Expanding Media Landscape and Opportunities for Local Content

According to the Communications Authority of Kenya’s Audience Measurement and Industry Trends Report (Q4 2023-2024), Kenya currently boasts:

• 360+ licensed television stations, delivering diverse content across different genres and languages.
• 293 FM radio stations, offering programming in numerous local languages, reflecting the country’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity.

These rapid changes have been fueled by Kenya’s high mobile penetration rate, supported by widespread internet connectivity. With millions of Kenyans streaming content on mobile devices, the demand for locally produced animation, XR-enhanced videos, and immersive content is growing rapidly.

However, despite these developments, local content creation has struggled to keep up, with many broadcasters failing to meet the 30% local content threshold set by regulators. This training initiative aims to address this shortfall, nurturing a new generation of content creators capable of producing world-class immersive content.

Technology Lowering Barriers for Animators and Filmmakers

Andrew Kaggia, award-winning filmmaker and lead trainer for action animation, noted that technological advancements have drastically lowered the barriers to entry for Kenyan animators and filmmakers. Tools for virtual production, real-time rendering, and XR development are now more accessible than ever, empowering small teams and independent creators to produce high-quality content for TV, film, advertising, and social media platforms.

With Kenya being one of the leading creative economies in Africa, this strategic upskilling effort could make the country a hub for immersive content production, attracting both local and international projects.

The African Context – Growing Market for XR and Virtual Production

The demand for immersive content is not unique to Kenya. Across Africa:

• There are over 2,000 registered TV stations, creating a large market for innovative content.
• 75% of African households have access to television, presenting a massive audience for engaging local content.
• Smartphone penetration exceeds 50%, and mobile connectivity is expanding rapidly, especially in urban and peri-urban areas.
• The African XR and VR market is projected to reach $6 billion by 2028, driven by demand for mobile entertainment, advertising, and educational content.

Kenya’s creative economy stands to benefit immensely from this growing demand, provided the local industry can equip talent with the necessary skills.

Changing Consumer Preferences – The Rise of Immersive Experiences

Kenyan consumers are also showing a growing appetite for immersive experiences, particularly in:

• Entertainment – Virtual tours, interactive videos, and augmented reality filters.
• Education – XR-powered learning experiences and gamified lessons.
• Healthcare – Virtual simulations for medical training and therapy.

This shift in consumer preferences, combined with increased mobile device capabilities, creates significant opportunities for Kenyan content creators to lead the XR revolution in Africa.

Konza’s Role in Building Capacity and Infrastructure

Konza Technopolis’ training program, conducted in partnership with Genesis Design Factory, will train 100 animators and filmmakers in the fundamentals of virtual production, XR, and AR. After the initial workshop, 12 outstanding trainees will be selected for a further 3-month intensive program, during which they will work on live projects, gaining practical experience in real-world virtual production environments.

This training directly supports Kenya’s Vision 2030, which aims to position the country as a leading digital economy in Africa, with a strong creative industry contributing to economic growth, job creation, and digital exports.

Konza Digital Media City – A Key Pillar for Kenya’s Creative Future

This training effort also ties into the upcoming Konza Digital Media City (KDMC), a state-of-the-art creative hub planned for Konza Technopolis.

During a state visit to South Korea in 2024, President William Ruto signed a $284 million financing agreement for KDMC’s construction. Once completed, KDMC will house:

• A multi-media training institute.
• Digital media enterprises.
• Post-production studios for animation, gaming, and music production.
• Facilities for filmmaking, photography, and broadcasting.
• Software development labs.
• Research and professional training facilities.

KDMC aims to turn Kenya into a continental leader in digital content creation, attracting investors, global media companies, and training institutions.

Conclusion – A Strategic Step for Kenya’s Creative Economy

By partnering with the Kenya Film Commission, Konza Technopolis is not only investing in talent development, but also laying the groundwork for a robust creative technology ecosystem that can serve both local and international markets.

As the demand for high-quality local content grows, and consumer preferences shift towards immersive experiences, Kenya’s creative professionals must adapt to these new trends. Programs like this one are essential for ensuring that Kenyan filmmakers, animators, and creative entrepreneurs remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global industry.