Netflix invests Sh33 million in talent training and film production in Kenya

As part of its investment in local content, Netflix is assisting in the production of three Kenyan films and will spend Sh33 million on actor training.

While their licensed local titles are being examined by Netflix, the three are in various stages of production.

The Kenyan titles will be unveiled closer to their premiere dates on the streaming platform, which has 222 million customers from 190 countries, according to the US streaming service.

Netflix will also provide a Sh33 million ($300,000) scholarship to Kenyans enrolled in film and television-related studies at local colleges and universities overseas.

The revelations are part of a memorandum of understanding between Netflix and the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology to develop skill capacity and promote the local film industry.

“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 welcome this partnership with Netflix because Kenya has many stories to tell the world and all the initiatives with the various partners will help us ensure we have the ability to create quality stories,” said ICT ministry Cabinet Secretary Mr Joe Mucheru.

The firm’s investment in local content and creatives is part of a larger strategy to expand its client base.