Media & Communication

Diploma in Film/Video Programmes Production (Camera)

The Diploma in Film/Video Programmes Production (Camera) is a TVET CDACC Level 6 qualification that equips learners with competencies in camera operation, cinematography, lighting, and visual storytelling for film, television, and digital media production.

The curriculum covers camera types and lenses, framing and composition, camera movement, lighting techniques, visual aesthetics, exposure control, cinematography for narrative and documentary, multi-camera production, scriptwriting fundamentals, sound recording, editing, and production management.

The programme is accredited by TVET CDACC under the Film/Video Programme Production Level 6 qualification (code 021106T4, ISCED 0211) and examined by KNEC at KIMC. The Kenya Film Commission provides industry oversight.

Training combines classroom theory with extensive studio and field practicals using professional cameras, lighting rigs, tripods, gimbals, and audio recording equipment. Trainees work on individual and collaborative film projects, documentary shoots, and multi-camera studio productions.

Graduates find employment in television stations, film production companies, advertising agencies, digital content platforms, corporate communications, and independent filmmaking. Major employers include Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Citizen TV, Nation Media Group, Standard Group, Showmax, Netflix local productions, and numerous production houses.

The programme suits KCSE graduates with a mean grade of C who have a passion for visual storytelling and filmmaking, as well as certificate holders seeking to upgrade. It provides a progression pathway to degree programmes in Film Production, Media Studies, or Mass Communication.

Duration: 2-3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 101,000
Private, up to: Ksh 200,000
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

10 subjects

Camera Operations and Cinematography
Lighting Techniques and Design
Visual Storytelling and Composition
Scriptwriting and Story Development
Video Editing and Post-Production
Sound Recording and Design
Multi-Camera Studio Production
Documentary Filmmaking
Production Management
Film History and Aesthetics

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Film Production and Camera Basics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamentals of filmmaking, camera types, lenses, exposure, and basic for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Scriptwriting and Story Development
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Visual storytelling principles, script structure, character development for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Film History and Aesthetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsElective
Evolution of cinema, film movements, African cinema, and critical analysis for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Lighting Techniques and Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Studio and location lighting, three-point lighting, natural light for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Sound Recording for Film
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Production sound recording, boom operation, lavalier microphones for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Communication Skills and Digital Literacy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsElective
Business communication, digital literacy, and ICT applications in film and for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Cinematography and Visual Composition
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced framing, composition, camera movement, visual aesthetics for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Video Editing and Post-Production
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Non-linear editing, Premiere Pro, Avid, DaVinci Resolve, editing workflows for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Entrepreneurship in Creative Industries
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Business planning for creative enterprises, freelancing, and for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Documentary Filmmaking
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Documentary storytelling, observational filming, interview techniques for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Multi-Camera Studio Production
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Studio camera operation, multi-camera setup, live switching, and television for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Colour Grading and Correction
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Colour theory, DaVinci Resolve colour grading, look development for professional practice and competency development in the field.

Specialisations

Cinematography and Camera Operations
Focuses on advanced camera techniques, visual design, and cinematography for narrative and documentary film, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Documentary Filmmaking
Focuses on observational filming, documentary storytelling, and non-fiction content production, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Digital Content Creation
Focuses on creating video content for streaming platforms, social media, and digital distribution, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Post-Production and Colour Grading
Focuses on video editing, colour grading, and post-production workflows for film and television, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.

A day as a student

A typical day begins at 8:00 AM with a theory session on cinematography or visual storytelling, followed by a studio or field practical operating professional cameras, setting up lighting, and shooting scenes. Afternoons often involve editing footage, reviewing dailies, or working on collaborative film projects. Industrial attachment places students in production houses, TV stations, or on film sets for real-world camera and production experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's film industry is growing rapidly with streaming platforms like Showmax and Netflix investing in local content
Strong freelance and self-employment potential through production companies and content creation
Skills are transferable across film, television, advertising, corporate video, and digital content

Against it

Industry can be competitive with irregular income for freelancers, especially early in the career
Professional camera equipment is expensive, requiring investment for independent work

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 106 media & communication courses

Public67k to 101k

67k at Public TVET colleges101k at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication

Private156k to 200k

156k at Visualdo Institute200k at ADMI

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KIMC 101K, TVET 67,189/yr. ADMI 200K, Visualdo 156K/yr (kenyaeducationguide, admi.africa).

HELB offers loans and bursaries for TVET students. County government bursaries and NG-CDF funds are widely available. The Kenya Film Commission occasionally offers grants and training support for emerging filmmakers.

Funding options

HELB TVET Loan and Bursary
County Government Bursaries
NG-CDF Constituency Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

HELB TVET/Diploma Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
All TVET students enrolled in KUCCPS-placed programmes
NG-CDF Bursary
BursaryKsh 15,000Kenyan
Constituency-based bursary for needy students

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C
Alternative entry: Certificate in Film/Video Programme Production Level 5, or equivalent qualification as determined by KNQA. A demonstrated portfolio of creative work may be considered for mature entry.

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Internal Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
Practical camera assessments, film projects, and theory tests
KNEC End-of-Module Examinations
Examination60% of the mark
National examinations at the end of each module covering theory and practical components
Industrial Attachment and Portfolio Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of industry placement performance and final portfolio review

Accreditation

Accredited by TVET CDACC (Film/Video Programme Production Level 6, code 021106T4, ISCED 0211) and regulated by TVETA. KIMC offers the KNEC-examined variant. The Kenya Film Commission provides industry oversight and registration for filmmakers.

Accredited by

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council
Curriculum and certificationRequired
Film/Video Programme Production Level 6, code 021106T4, ISCED 0211
Kenya National Examinations Council
ExaminationRequired
Primary examination body at KIMC for Film/Video Programmes Production diploma
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
Institutional regulationRequired

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Camera Operator
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 80,000
Operates cameras for film, television, advertising, and digital content production
Cinematographer
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000
Designs and executes the visual look of films, TV shows, and commercials
Video Editor
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 100,000
Edits film, television, and digital content using professional editing software
Content Creator
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 120,000
Creates video content for digital platforms, social media, and streaming services
Production Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 55,000
Assists with production coordination, logistics, and on-set operations

Graduate outcomes

Graduates are in growing demand as Kenya's film and digital content industry expands with Showmax, Netflix, and local productions. Entry-level camera operators and video editors earn KSH 40,000 to KSH 80,000 per month, with experienced cinematographers and content creators earning KSH 80,000 to KSH 200,000+ per month.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve
SoftwarePrimary
Industry-standard editing and colour grading software for post-production
Professional Cinema Cameras
EquipmentPrimary
Professional cameras such as RED, Canon Cinema EOS, Sony FX series, and Blackmagic for film production
Lighting Equipment
EquipmentPrimary
Professional lighting rigs including LED panels, Fresnel lights, and lighting modifiers
Camera Support Systems
Equipment
Tripods, gimbals, sliders, dollies, and stabilisers for camera movement

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Film production is only for people who want to be actors
The diploma focuses on technical and creative roles behind the camera including cinematography, editing, sound design, directing, and production management, with strong career prospects in Kenya's growing film and digital content industry.
You need expensive equipment to study film production
Training institutions provide professional cameras, lighting, and editing equipment for practical sessions. Many successful filmmakers started with basic equipment and built their careers through skills learned during training.