REC · Across East Africa
Videography and photography across East Africa
A Kigali-based videography and photography company, filming documentaries, conferences and campaigns in Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, the DR Congo, South Sudan and Somalia.
Clients often ask us for
As a pan-African video production agency based in Kigali, we provide videography, documentary filmmaking and event photography in Kigali and across the region, including Nairobi, Kampala, Dar es Salaam, Bujumbura, Goma and Juba, for NGOs, UN agencies and businesses. Our documentary filmmakers, videographers and photographers travel as one crew, act as local fixers where needed, and plan permits early, including in the DRC, where travel outside Kinshasa needs its own approval.
01 · Country by country
Where we film and what each country needs
Videography in Rwanda
Our home base in Kigali. Foreign crews apply for a filming permit through Irembo, processed in about four working days; journalists are accredited by the Rwanda Media Commission, and drones need approval from the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority.
Videography in Kenya
Filming licences come from the Kenya Film Classification Board, and foreign productions apply through a registered local agent. Drone filming needs Ministry of Defence clearance before the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority permit.
Videography in Uganda
Filming is licensed by the Uganda Communications Commission, and journalists are accredited by the Media Council. Drones need Uganda Civil Aviation Authority approval and security clearance.
Videography in Tanzania
Filming permits come from the Tanzania Film Board; apply about a month ahead. Journalists are accredited through MAELEZO, and drone permits from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority take about three weeks.
Videography in Burundi
We found no published filming permit process. Media matters fall under the Conseil National de la Communication, and drones under the civil aviation authority (AACB). We confirm the steps directly before every shoot.
Videography in the DR Congo
Filming needs authorisation from the Ministry of Communication and Media, and travel outside Kinshasa needs its own approval. We plan routes and paperwork early.
Videography in South Sudan
Media work is regulated by the South Sudan Media Authority. We confirm accreditation and local requirements before travel.
Videography in Somalia
Journalists register under the Media Law. We plan accreditation, security and local partners before any assignment.
Permit rules change. We check the current process with each authority when we plan your shoot. Read the full filming permits guide
02 · How we work across borders
One crew, one standard, any country
- A core crew from Kigali: videographer, photographer and producer, with the same kit and the same standard everywhere.
- Permits, accreditation and drone approvals planned with you before travel.
- Local partners where the law requires them, and interpreters for interviews.
- Written consent from every person we film, and safeguarding for children.
- One written quote that includes travel, so you know the full cost before you confirm.
Filming in East Africa? Start here
Tell us the country, the dates and the story. We will send a written quote, travel included, within two working days.
- 01Your brief
- 02A short call
- 03Written quote
No work starts until you approve the quote.
Or email hello@truestoryafrica.com · +250 780 355 911
Trusted by UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, UNAIDS, ILO, JICA and Rwanda’s Ministry of Health
03 · Services we bring
What we film and photograph
04 · Questions
Videography in East Africa: common questions
Which videography company can film for us anywhere in East Africa?
TrueStory Africa is a videography and photography company based in Kigali, Rwanda. We film conferences, documentaries and campaigns in Rwanda and travel with our crew to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, the DR Congo, South Sudan and Somalia. Clients include UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, UNAIDS, ILO, JICA and Rwanda’s Ministry of Health.
Do you travel to film conferences in Nairobi, Kampala or Dar es Salaam?
Yes. We cover conferences, summits and launches across the region with the same team that covers events at the Kigali Convention Centre, and we include travel in one written quote.
How far ahead should we book videography outside Rwanda?
Allow at least four weeks. Tanzania asks for filming permit applications about a month ahead, drone permits there take about three weeks, and Kenya requires a registered local agent.
Do we need a filming permit in Rwanda?
Foreign crews need one. It is issued through Irembo in about four working days, and journalists also need Rwanda Media Commission accreditation. We prepare both with you.
Can you film with a drone in East Africa?
Yes, where the civil aviation authority approves it. Every country has its own drone permit, and Kenya and Uganda also require security clearance, so we apply early.
Do you also provide photography and livestreaming?
Yes. One team can deliver videography, event photography, edited photos shared live during each session, and livestreaming for the same assignment.
How much does videography cost in East Africa?
It depends on the country, the number of filming days, the crew size and the edit. Send a short brief and we will reply with a written quote, travel and permits included, within two working days.