For years, Kenya’s film and television industry has been marked by tensions between actors and producers, with complaints of unpaid wages, harassment, and unprofessional practices creating an atmosphere of mistrust. Now, the Kenya Actors Guild (KAG) and the Producers Guild of Kenya (PGK) are attempting to change that narrative.
Following a meeting on Thursday, August 28th, at Ginger Ink Studios, the two organizations have committed to working together to address these longstanding issues and establish stronger professional standards across the industry.
The meeting, which built upon discussions from last month’s GIZ KFC breakfast meeting, focused on collaborative solutions rather than the adversarial positioning that has characterized industry relations in the past. Both sides agreed that moving beyond historical grievances was essential to building a more professional sector.
KAG Chairman Peter Kawa led the actors’ delegation, accompanied by Melissa Kiplagat, Juma Williams, Florence Nduta, and legal expert Jacqueline Wamae. The producers were represented by PGK Chairman Martin Munyua and Vice Chairman Caroline Mbindyo-Koroso, along with members Irene Magu, Jim Shamoon, Ginger Wilson, and Reuben Odanga.
The discussions yielded several concrete commitments designed to address the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Key Outcomes and Commitments
The discussions yielded several concrete commitments from both organizations:
Structured Communication Systems: Both guilds agreed to develop formal mechanisms for ongoing dialogue and conflict resolution, ensuring that future disputes can be addressed through established channels rather than public confrontation.
Policy Development: The organizations are committed to creating aligned policy documents that will guide future collaboration and establish industry standards.
Industry Formalization: A strong emphasis was placed on encouraging all film practitioners and stakeholders to join structured organizations, promoting standardization and smoother operations across the sector.
Regulatory Engagement: Both KAG and PGK will work jointly to engage the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) to enforce regulations, address rogue practices, and advocate for fair treatment across film platforms.
Educational Initiatives: KAG agreed to participate in the upcoming October ‘Producers Summit,’ where a dedicated panel will facilitate mutual learning and understanding between producers and actors.
The Producers Guild acknowledged the severity of complaints that have plagued the sector, particularly regarding mistreatment, sexual harassment, and delayed or non-payment for services rendered. These issues have undermined professional trust and threatened the industry’s reputation.
In response, PGK is exploring concrete enforcement mechanisms, including working with the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) to introduce a mandatory completion certificate tied to financial accountability. Under this proposed system, no production would be allowed to broadcast without proof that all cast and crew have been fully paid.
The move represents a significant shift toward accountability in an industry where payment delays and contract violations have been common complaints.
Both organizations acknowledged the global challenges facing the film industry, particularly the need for resilience and adaptability as the sector continues to evolve and streamline. They agreed on the importance of building actor capacity through additional training and skills development programs.
The meeting participants recognized that meaningful change will require time and sustained effort, but expressed confidence that the collaborative approach will yield significant progress.
The October Producers Summit is expected to serve as the next major milestone in this collaborative journey, providing a platform for continued dialogue and practical implementation of the agreements reached.
The meeting represents more than just organizational cooperation; it signals a maturing industry that is ready to tackle its challenges head-on through structured, professional approaches that prioritize the welfare of all stakeholders in Kenya’s growing entertainment sector.
