Kenya’s film and television industry continues to create opportunities for actors, technicians and other creative workers.
But behind finished productions lies a less visible question: what happens to cast and crew when filming runs late, locations are far from home and the working day ends after public transport has stopped?
Transport, security and long filming hours are becoming important issues in discussions about working conditions on Kenyan sets.
The concern is particularly relevant to night shoots, where actors and crew may finish work in the early hours and still have to find their way home
The problem of getting home
A recent incident involving a Kenyan film crew member has renewed attention on transport arrangements after late-night filming.
The Kenya Actors Guild raised concerns after the crew member was reportedly assaulted while travelling home following a late production wrap.
The Guild called for safe transport for cast and crew to become a standard requirement.
“Safe transport for cast and crew” should not be treated as an optional production expense.
The incident highlights a practical problem for productions working at night. When filming ends after normal public transport hours, workers can be left to arrange their own journeys or rely on informal options.
For crew carrying expensive cameras, lighting equipment and other production gear, the risks can be even greater.
Long hours on set
Film production can involve long days because several scenes have to be completed within limited shooting schedules.
The Kenya Film Commission says local production companies are responsible for preparing budgets, shooting schedules, recruiting cast and crew and arranging locations and equipment.
When schedules slip, however, finishing on time can become difficult.Long hours also raise concerns about fatigue, particularly for people who have to drive or travel after work.
International evidence shows the wider problem. A 2025 study reported by The Guardian found that nearly 80% of cast and crew surveyed in stage and screen productions had experienced injuries, while three-fifths of screen performers had been placed in unsafe situations.
The figures are not specific to Kenya, but they illustrate why fatigue and safety have become major issues across screen production.
What Kenyan law requires
Kenya’s Occupational Safety and Health Act applies to workplaces where people work temporarily or permanently. It requires employers to protect workers' safety, health and welfare and provide a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.
The responsibility therefore extends beyond the physical filming location.Planning for a production should also consider how workers reach locations, how they leave after late shoots and whether adequate security measures are available.
Building safer sets
Industry stakeholders have already recognised the need for stronger safety practices. A masterclass organised by MultiChoice and the Kenya Film Commission examined safe production environments, consent and accountability, with participants calling for clearer policies, codes of conduct and reporting mechanisms.
For Kenyan actors and crew, the debate is ultimately about more than comfort.A production may have a strong script, talented cast and expensive equipment, but the people making it still need to get home safely.
