Five Kenyan Women Win 2025 Film Awards to Boost Industry Growth

Five Kenyan women have been named the 2025 recipients of the Women in Film Award. Each will receive €5,000 (Sh758,000) to support their film businesses. The awards come as part of a new programme aimed at boosting opportunities for women in Kenya’s growing film sector.

The winners—Grace Murema, Faith Njeri Heho, Louiza Wanjiku Ndung'u, Wanjira Maina, and Tracy Annette Sandere—were selected from a group of 10 participants in the Women-in-Film Incubation Programme. The Kenya Film Commission (KFC) launched the initiative in partnership with GIZ. Its goal is to help women take on creative, technical, and business roles in the industry. The two-week residency provides training in building sustainable film enterprises.

Alongside the funding, the awardees will receive specialised training in grant management. The programme’s first cohort includes women from different counties, reflecting the diversity of Kenya’s film community.

Kenya’s film industry already contributes around Sh20 billion (about $130 million) to the economy each year. Officials believe there remains significant untapped potential, particularly for women-led projects. The awards and training aim to strengthen the winners’ businesses and expand their industry influence. With financial support and new skills, the five women are expected to play a larger role in Kenya’s film sector. The programme also sets a foundation for future editions targeting more female filmmakers.