The Production Business in Kenya

What Kenyan Businesses Pay For

The myth: you need a RED camera, a lighting rig, and a studio to make money in production. The reality: a client paying KSh 5,000 for 10 product photos shot on an iPhone doesn't care what camera you used — they care that the images look clean, consistent, and make their products appealing.

The market: - Product photography (food, fashion, retail): KSh 500–2,000 per product - Social media video content (reels, TikToks): KSh 2,000–10,000 per video - Event coverage (corporate, weddings, parties): KSh 10,000–50,000 per event - Brand video (company profile, ad): KSh 15,000–100,000 - Real estate photography/video: KSh 5,000–15,000 per property - Podcast/interview recording: KSh 3,000–10,000 per session

Gear on a Budget

Start with what you have and upgrade when revenue justifies it:

Phone (you already own one): iPhone 12+ or Samsung S21+ shoot 4K video. Even mid-range phones like Pixel 6a or Samsung A54 shoot usable content.

Tripod: KSh 1,500–3,000 for a phone tripod that prevents shaky footage. This is your first purchase.

Lighting: a ring light (KSh 2,000–5,000) for product and portrait work. For outdoor shoots, a reflector (KSh 800–1,500) to bounce sunlight.

Audio: a lavalier microphone (KSh 1,000–3,000) that plugs into your phone. Bad audio ruins good video faster than anything else.

Total startup cost: under KSh 10,000 for basic professional equipment. Upgrade to a mirrorless camera (KSh 50,000–150,000) after your production income covers it.