We’ll license drones for film making – CS

 The government will license use of drones in the film industry, ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has said.

Mucheru on Monday said the move is part of government’s collaboration with development partners to increase investment in the industry. He asked filmmakers who plan to shoot videos using drones to apply for clearance by the ministry.

The CS said the government was working closely with the private sector to kick-start a film-making venture supported by ICT. He asked the private sector to take the lead the industry.

Read: Use of drones allowed but KCAA licence is required

 Speaking during a Film Industry Stakeholders’ meeting in Nairobi, Mucheru said the government plans to develop infrastructure to grow the creative film industry through construction of creative and performing art theatres and film studios across the country.

“Let us not use lack of policy as a reason to delay. Lawmakers will catch up with you,” Mucheru said.   

Mucheru said M-Pesa began without a policy and MPs were forced to make laws to guide its use along the way. “It is one of those inventions that have turned out to be a big success,” he said. Flying drones is regulated by the government. Mucheru said licensing film makers to use the drones will encourage investment in the creative industry and create jobs.

He said China has opened its film market to Kenya and is willing to work with local film makers to produce creative works that would be screened in China. The CS said the government will streamline the industry and ensure expeditious processing and issuance of licences. 

He said the creative economy had huge potential to create employment and generate wealth. The CS asked the private sector to develop talent saying there was huge demand for local content across Africa. He said international filmmakers were interested in shooting films at the equator featuring people and culture of the continent.

More: Is Kenya ready for drone technology?

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