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Kenya's First Digital Media Factory Unveiled: A Game-Changer for Content Creators
Gerald Kombo
March 02, 2025
Nairobi Hosts the Launch of the Digital Media Factory
The creative economy in Kenya is taking a bold step forward with the launch of the Digital Media Factory (DMF) in Nairobi. This initiative, spearheaded by the government, provides Kenyan content creators, podcasters, and digital media professionals with access to high-quality facilities, government-supplied equipment, and industry partnerships aimed at enhancing their work.
The event, attended by key government officials, including Senior Presidential Advisor Moses Kuria, ICT Principal Secretary John Tanui, and Head of Presidential Special Projects Dennis Itumbi, marks the beginning of a larger vision—to establish DMFs in all 47 counties.
A Space for Creatives to Thrive
Ruth Wangari Muriithi from Konza Technopolis outlined the core purpose of the Digital Media Factory:
State-of-the-Art Equipment: The facility is equipped with high-end computers, cameras, and microphones available for rental.
Editing & Production Facilities: A fully-equipped editing space that can accommodate 50 creators at a time.
Sound Studio for Recording: A dedicated space for podcasts, music recording, and even choirs.
Coworking Spaces: An environment where digital entrepreneurs can collaborate, innovate, and produce high-quality content.
Public-Private Partnerships: The government is working with universities, private sector players, and other stakeholders to enhance training and job creation.
Moses Kuria: A Vision for 1 Million Jobs
Senior Presidential Advisor Moses Kuria emphasized that this initiative is part of the Coalition for Jobs, an ambitious program under the Office of the Deputy President aimed at creating 1 million jobs in two years.
The strategy follows three main pillars:
Kazi Kwa Ground – Jobs in industrialization, housing, and infrastructure.
Kazi Mtandao – Jobs in the digital and creative sectors.
Kazi Maju – A labor mobility program to export Kenyan talent abroad.
Moses Kuria acknowledged the rapid growth of Kenya’s digital and alternative media landscape over the past decade, saying,
We never anticipated the explosion of digital media and alternative content creation when we transitioned to digital migration. This factory is a major step toward leveraging Kenya’s creative economy.
Expanding to All 47 Counties
The government’s long-term goal is to replicate the Nairobi DMF model across the entire country, ensuring content creators in Mandera, Kakamega, Mombasa, and other regions get access to high-quality media production facilities.
While Nairobi is the first location, efforts are already underway in Bungoma and other counties. These centers will integrate with existing ICT hubs, enhancing digital skills training and job creation.
This is just the beginning. We want to establish a Digital Media Factory in every county, ensuring every young content creator has access to modern facilities
No Government Censorship: A Space for All Voices
Kuria reaffirmed that the government will not interfere with content production at the DMFs. He even joked,
Even if you want to make videos criticizing us, you are welcome here.
This statement reassures independent creators and alternative media that these centers are open to all perspectives and not a government-controlled media outlet.
However, he urged creators to use the space productively, focusing on monetization and building sustainable careers in the creative economy.
The Bigger Picture: Positioning Kenya as Africa’s Digital Media Hub
Kenya is not stopping at county-level DMFs—the government has entered partnerships with South Korea to establish Konza Digital Media City, a high-tech hub modeled after global creative cities.
We are working on establishing an African top center for creatives at Konza. This will position Kenya as the VFX and digital content headquarters of Africa.
This move aligns with the government's vision of making Kenya a global leader in animation, film production, and digital content creation.
How Creators Can Access the Digital Media Factory
Key questions about accessibility, cost, and usage rules were raised at the press conference. The government confirmed that official guidelines will be released next week.
Some of the key highlights include:
Shifts and Scheduling: Since demand is expected to be high, content creators will work in scheduled shifts (24-hour operations).
Entry Requirements: The age limit is 40 years, ensuring priority is given to young creators.
Affordable Pricing Model: While some services might be free, others (like equipment rental) may come at a low-cost fee.
It was also announced that advertisers—both government and private sector—will be invited to fund content creators who produce compelling digital content.
A Call to Action for Kenya’s Creatives
As Kenya embarks on this transformational journey, the government is urging content creators to seize the opportunity and leverage the Digital Media Factory to scale their work.
We have given you the facilities. Now, it’s up to you to create content, monetize it, and tell Kenya’s story to the world.
With Nairobi’s Digital Media Factory now open, Kenya’s creative industry stands at the brink of a new era—one where talent, technology, and government support converge to position the country as a leader in digital media innovation.
Listen to the unveiling of Kenya’s first Digital Media Factory : Ruth Wangari Muriithi from Konza Technopolis, Senior Presidential Advisor Moses Kuria, ICT PS John Tanui, and Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination Dennis Itumbi.