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Kenyan filmmakers will now have access to affordable medical insurance under the new deal between the Female Filmmakers in Kenya Association (FEFKA) and Britam Insurance. In October 2025, FEFKA signed an agreement with Britam Insurance, to provide affordable medical insurance to female filmmakers in Kenya. This MOU was recently actualized in January 2026. In a […]
Kenyan filmmakers will now have access to affordable medical insurance under the new deal between the Female Filmmakers in Kenya Association (FEFKA) and Britam Insurance. In October 2025, FEFKA signed an agreement with Britam Insurance, to provide affordable medical insurance to female filmmakers in Kenya. This MOU was recently actualized in January 2026.
In a financially unstable and gig-based job economy, this will provide members of the association with access to medical insurance from as low as KSh 6,000 and high as KSh15,000 annually, making healthcare coverage attainable for Kenyan female filmmakers. The deal covers three packages which accommodates individual medical needs and ability to add dependents like spouse and children.
In an exclusive conversation with Culture Custodian, Sarah Owendi Ayitso, the organisation’s founder and President, spoke about the impact of the partnership on individual and industry wellbeing. Ayitso mentioned that the FEFKA–Britam insurance partnership is expected to significantly improve the overall well-being and productivity of female filmmakers in Kenya by addressing one of the industry’s biggest gaps: access to affordable healthcare. Filmmakers often work as freelancers without consistent medical cover, making health emergencies financially and emotionally disruptive. And this partnership is poised to address this gap.
“Through this insurance scheme, members will benefit from accessible and affordable medical cover, including outpatient and inpatient services, maternity care, dental and optical services, diagnostics, and emergency support. With reduced anxiety around healthcare costs, members can focus more fully on their creative work, maintain continuity in productions, and build longer, more sustainable careers in the film industry,” she shared.

When quizzed on how FEFKA plans to ensure that its members are aware of and utilize the insurance scheme, and what support systems will be put in place for those who need help with claims or other issues, the President detailed the plans. She mentioned that FEFKA plans to ensure strong awareness and utilization of the insurance scheme through structured member sensitization initiatives. These include information sessions, official communication through FEFKA’s digital platforms, and clear onboarding guidance to help members understand the available packages and select coverage that best suits their needs.
“To support members, FEFKA will act as a liaison between its members and the insurance provider by offering guidance on enrollment, policy interpretation, and claims processes. Where necessary, members will receive assistance through dedicated contact persons, forums, and scheduled clinics to ensure challenges related to claims or service access are addressed promptly and transparently.”
Ayitso also mentioned the long-term goal of this partnership and how it envisioned the insurance scheme contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Kenyan film industry. The President views this partnership as a long-term investment in the sustainability and professionalization of Kenya’s film industry. In prioritizing the health and welfare of female filmmakers, the association aims to improve retention, career longevity, and creative output within the sector.

“In the long run, the insurance scheme is expected to contribute to a stronger, more resilient creative workforce, setting a precedent for other industry associations to adopt similar welfare-focused initiatives. FEFKA envisions this partnership as part of a broader ecosystem that supports talent development, economic stability, and the overall growth of Kenya’s film and creative industries.”
Ayitso is a passionate and award-winning television and documentary producer whose work blends storytelling with social impact. With over a decade of experience in the film and media industry, she has carved a niche as a powerful voice for women and underrepresented communities in East Africa’s creative landscape.
She founded FEFKA, a national body advocating for women in film through mental health support, legal aid, capacity building, and policy engagement, in 2022. The association is currently being supported by The Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA Under her leadership, FEFKA has grown into a respected platform that amplifies the voices of women across all levels of the industry.
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