By FLEVIAN GEOFFREY: Uriri lawmaker Mark Nyamita has partnered with the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) to equip young creatives with practical skills in filmmaking, music, theatre, content creation, and digital storytelling.

The initiative is being rolled out at the newly established Rapogi Digital Studios, which was established by the Kenya Film Commission following a strategic request by the lawmaker.

Designed to benefit youth across Migori County, the programme aims to nurture grassroots creativity and provide participants with industry-standard production skills.

The training is structured in consecutive phases to maximize reach.

The first cohort of trainees is set to complete their intensive program today, May 22, while the second cohort will take over the studios from May 25 to 29.

The workshops intentionally move beyond theory, exposing participants to the direct storytelling techniques of local filmmakers.

Through this hands-on platform, trainees analyze and critique key elements of the trade, including: script development and narrative structure, advanced cinematography and lighting, film editing, sound design, and final production management.

“By analyzing completed works, participants gain a deeper understanding of the artistic and technical decisions that bring stories to life on screen.”

Bridging the Industry Skill Gap

The impact on the ground is already drawing accolades from local practitioners who see the facility as a bridge to professionalism.

Beatrice Ongili, an artist and beneficiary of the program, the workshop solved a long-standing challenge.

“Even though I am an artist, I didn’t understand much about the technical aspects of production and filming,” she shared.

“This training has equipped me with new, practical skills in film and production.”

The initiative is also proving to be an essential resource for educators navigating Kenya’s evolving education sector.

Hellen Olela, a theatre and film teacher, highlighted the program’s alignment with national standards. “The workshop has equipped us with more skills, especially with the new Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum,” she stated.

Eng Nyamita, who spearheaded the project to systematically discover and develop regional talent, urged young people across Migori County to fully claim ownership of the state-of-the-art facility.

“I encourage the youth from Migori County to seize this opportunity, utilize the studio, nurture their talents, and acquire skills that will truly empower them economically,” Nyamita said.

With subsequent cohorts already in the pipeline, Rapogi Digital Studios is positioned to become a central hub for digital talent, steadily transforming Migori County into a competitive player in the regional creative industry.