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Peter Ngila  @peterngilanjeri gitau 

United States International University (Usiu)-Africa and Kenya Film Commission (KFC) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at making Kenya a first-class provider of screen entertainment for local, regional and international market emanating from relevant training by the university. 

The MoU will see both institutions jointly work together. Some of the initiatives will include building capacity through organising film classes, workshops, seminars, film boot camps, short courses, projects, and programs. 

Going with the international’ nature of the university, the partnership will also see to the market penetration of the Kalasha International Film and TV Festivals.

This step is aimed at increasing market penetration and visibility for Kenyan content at international film markets. 

Signing the MoU, USIU-Africa Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Zeleza said partnership will position the institution and KFC as resource centres for local broadcasters, media, film and communication researchers and scholars. 

“USIU-Africa will be able to offer mentorship programmes for students interested in film.

We will conduct film industry research and collect data which will enable us to develop short courses tailor-made for industry practitioners for certification,” he said. 

Kenya Film Commission Chief Executive Officer Timothy Owase said the corporation will continue to source and negotiate for tax relief incentives on film and animation equipment to boost the growth of the industry. 

“We will offer guidance on standards of excellence and advocate for the use of best practice in film production while working closely with relevant government agencies to create robust and streamlined mid-level film education that will lead to more exportation of locally-made films,” he said.