Do You Have a Story You’re Burning to Tell?

The Kenya Film Commission invites you to apply for the Screenwriters Residency, a unique opportunity for passionate Kenyan storytellers under the 4th Cycle of the Film Empowerment Programme.

Have you been dreaming of a story that reflects the rich, vibrant tapestry of Kenya? We are looking for you. We want to find unique, localized stories that can captivate audiences both at home and on the global stage. We welcome all genres—drama, comedy, thriller, sci-fi, animation—as long as you have something powerful to say. We are especially looking for impactful, change-maker stories with characters who grow, transform, and leave a lasting impression.

This initiative is part of a Kenyan-German collaboration project, “Strengthening the Film Industry in Kenya,” implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

What We Will Create Together

Our mission is to select and nurture 10 original television series concepts, helping you develop a complete pitch deck and a pilot episode outline. This entire process will be guided by international award-winning, one of Kenya’s most sought-after script writers, Mona Ombogo. Following the residency, 5 of these scripts will be chosen to receive funding for further development and potential production. Best of all, you will always retain the full rights to your script and your story. The Kenya Film Commission and the organizing parties of the residency and funding will not claim any rights for the scripts developed and supported.

Your Opportunity: What You’ll Gain

By joining this residency, you will:

• Sharpen Your Craft: Dive deep into the art of screenwriting with rigorous training focused on world and character building, the tricks of the trade, the rules of the trade, and how to find your voice inside it all.
• Get Funded: Stand a chance to receive a grant of up to 1.5 million Kenya shillings to further develop your script into a production-ready package.
• Enjoy a Creative Retreat: Participate in an intensive, four-week residency held outside of Nairobi. You will focus completely on your story in a collaborative and inspiring environment with writers from across Kenya, enhancing conversations that bring us all closer together as a nation.
• Feel Supported: We are committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and safe space for all writers. The residency will offer family-friendly services to ensure you can attend and thrive.

Who We Are Looking For

This call is for Kenyan scriptwriters who are eager to enhance their skills and contribute to the next wave of groundbreaking Kenyan television. Submitted stories must be original and not have been previously produced in any form. We strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of voices to ensure our country’s stories are told with authenticity and variety.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 19th October 2025
• Residency Begins: 2nd November 2025 (Applicants must be available for all training days)
• Grant Awardees will need to have met all agreed upon project delivery milestones by 31st March 2026

We can’t wait to read your story.

To apply Click here  Screenwriting residency