Are you a Kenyan screenwriter with brilliant short film ideas just sitting on your laptop, waiting to be discovered? You’re not alone. Kenya’s film scene, often called Riverwood, is buzzing with creativity, and right now, it’s full of new ways to earn from your storytelling skills.
Gone are the days when selling a script was your only option. Today, smart writers are using digital platforms, collaborations, and local film opportunities to turn their scripts into a steady income.
In this guide, you’ll discover five practical, proven ways to make money from your short film scripts in Kenya, whether you’re just starting or ready to take your talent to the next level.
1) Sell Your Script to Local Filmmakers and Producers
One of the most straightforward ways to make money from your short film scripts in Kenya is to sell them directly to filmmakers or production companies.
This route allows you to earn a lump sum for your work while seeing your story brought to life on screen.
Kenya’s film landscape, from Nairobi’s bustling studios to the creative hubs of Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru, is full of independent filmmakers hungry for original, emotionally powerful stories.
Many of them don’t have the time or writing skills to craft their own scripts, which makes talented screenwriters like you invaluable.
If your script is:
- Budget-friendly to produce,
- Set in relatable Kenyan settings, and
- Has strong characters and emotional depth,
then you’re already miles ahead. Local filmmakers are always on the lookout for fresh stories they can turn into short films, YouTube content, or festival submissions.
Where to Find Serious Buyers
- Facebook & WhatsApp Groups: Join communities like Kenya Filmmakers Network, Kenya Actors Guild, or Riverwood Film Group. These spaces are full of directors and producers scouting for new ideas.
- LinkedIn: Connect with producers, directors, and production houses. Share snippets of your script ideas to spark interest.
- Film Festivals: Attend events like the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards, Lake International Pan-African Film Festival (LIPFF), or MachakosFest, great places to pitch your work face-to-face.
Tip: Before sending your script to anyone, register it with the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO).
It costs little but gives you legal protection in case someone tries to use your idea without permission.
2) Turn Your Script Into a YouTube Short Film
Can’t find a buyer? Produce it yourself!
You don’t need a big studio or fancy equipment to bring your story to life anymore. With just a smartphone, a few friends, and free editing software, you can create your own short films and publish them on YouTube, where thousands of Kenyans are searching daily for new local stories.
Once you upload and start gaining views, you can monetize your YouTube channel through:
- The YouTube Partner Program (AdSense revenue)
- Brand collaborations and sponsored product placements
- Crowdfunding platforms like Buy Me a Coffee, Patreon, or M-Changa
Kenyan filmmakers such as Phil Director, Lowladee, and Nick Mutuma all started with small productions that went viral, proving that audiences love well-told Kenyan stories.
Tip: Focus on relatable Kenyan experiences, love, betrayal, youth struggles, humor, or crime. Viewers connect best with authenticity, not big budgets.
3) Submit Your Script to Film Competitions and Grants
Another powerful way to earn (and gain recognition) is by submitting your scripts to film competitions and grant programs.
Kenya and Africa at large host multiple opportunities that pay for strong short film concepts, often including funding to produce your script and mentorship from industry experts.
Here are some top opportunities to explore:
- Machawood Film Fund (Kenya Film Commission) – provides financial support to promising filmmakers.
- Netflix & UNESCO African Folktales Reimagined – global exposure and production funding for African writers.
- Writers’ Guild of Kenya Competitions – great for beginners looking to build credibility.
Even if you don’t win, you gain visibility, networking opportunities, and a professional portfolio credit that helps when pitching future projects.
Tip: Carefully read submission guidelines and customize your story to the competition’s theme. A strong pitch and short synopsis can make your script stand out.
4) Offer Scriptwriting Services to Upcoming Filmmakers
Not every filmmaker can write. Many have cameras, actors, and ambition, but lack strong storytelling. That’s where you come in.
By offering scriptwriting and story development services, you can make a consistent income while helping others bring their film ideas to life.
You can:
- Write custom scripts for filmmakers or brands
- Edit and polish existing scripts to make them production-ready
- Offer consultations on structure, dialogue, or pacing
Promote your services through:
- Freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or FilmFreeway
- Kenyan filmmaker Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities
- LinkedIn or your own professional website/portfolio
Tip: Start with affordable rates (e.g., Ksh 5,000–10,000 per short film script) to attract clients and build testimonials.
With experience, you can raise your prices or offer premium packages for film studios.
5) License Your Short Film Scripts for Adaptation
If you don’t want to sell your script outright, licensing is a smart alternative.
Licensing allows someone (a producer, YouTuber, or brand) to use your story for a specific project or limited time, while you retain ownership rights. You earn licensing fees or royalties every time your script is used or adapted.
For example, a YouTube content creator might pay you to adapt your romantic short story into a short film, but you still own the original idea and can later expand it into a series or feature film.
This approach gives you both creative control and long-term earning potential.
Tip: Always sign a written agreement that clearly defines:
- The rights being granted (exclusive or non-exclusive)
- The duration of the license
- Payment terms and royalties
If unsure, consult a local entertainment lawyer or get templates from the Writers Guild of Kenya. Protecting your rights ensures you benefit every time your idea earns money.
Final Thoughts
Kenya’s short film industry is about opportunity. Whether you’re selling your scripts, producing your own YouTube films, entering competitions, or licensing your stories, there are real ways to earn from your creativity right here at home.
But success doesn’t come from talent alone; it comes from action. Take that script off your hard drive, polish it, and put it out into the world. Your next story could be the one that captures Kenya’s attention.
If you need help crafting or refining your screenplay, visit iwaythrills.com. Our team of professional writers and story developers will help you turn your idea into a powerful, production-ready short film script that sells.