How Much Kenyan Scriptwriters Earn - Is It a Lucrative Job?
- According to career development expert Simon Ingasira, creative writing is one job that will not be phased out by artificial intelligence (AI)
- In Kenya, scriptwriting is among the creative writing skills that have recently gained traction
- Echoes of War, a play written by former Kakamega senator, Cleophas Malala, is redefining playwright as a lucrative career or hobby
- Actor and standup comedian Kevin Aswani explained to TUKO.co.ke how much each play script earns in Kenya
TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, climate and health reporting, which offers deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
Scriptwriting is becoming increasingly recognised in Kenya as a creative and rewarding profession.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The discussions on Echoes of War, a play by Butere Girls' during the Kenya School Drama Festival in April 2025, changed the perspective on the playwright career.
Is scriptwriting a lucrative job?
The author of the play Echoes of War and former senator for Kakamega, Cleophas Malala, has written 85 scripts, making him a professional in this field.
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According to Kevin Aswani, a seasoned actor, stand-up comedian and screenwriter, the industry offers a plethora of opportunities — if you have the passion, skills and consistency to navigate it.
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Aswani revealed that professional scriptwriters earn money from their work, but their income varies depending on the type and scope of the project.
“For a short film or an episode of about 30 minutes, the script can fetch about KSh 12,000. But for a full-length film — say one and a half hours - the script can fetch anywhere between KSh 60,000 and KSh 100,000. It all depends on the project and who is funding it,” said Aswani.
So, is scriptwriting one of the best-paying careers in Kenya? According to Aswani, it’s certainly a viable one.
“Since COVID-19, content creation has exploded. People are scripting, producing, and monetising their ideas like never before. Scriptwriting is paying—people just need to see it as a real career, not a side hustle,” he said.
He cited examples like Abel Mutua and Phil Karanja, whose storytelling careers have flourished through self-produced content.
“These guys are thriving off their scripts. But for the industry to grow, we need to hype it, teach it, and formalise it.”
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How different school play scripts pay
Aswani broke down the earnings in the academic circuit, particularly in school drama festivals.
The scriptwriter said Solo Verse performances earn between KSh 10,000 and KSh 15,000.
Choral Verse scripts range between KSh 30,000 to KSh 40,000, while full plays command KSh 60,000 to KSh 100,000.
He explained that the bills for the scripts are paid by schools and not the festival organisers, like the Kenya Drama Festival.
“You write a script, approach a school, pitch your idea, and negotiate. That’s how it works,” he explained.
The standup comedian, who featured in Churchill Show, said scriptwriters can also earn additional revenue from training fees.
“Once the script is sold, the writer might be hired to train students through county, regional, and national stages, earning extra money at each phase,” said Aswani.
Which skills are required in scriptwriting?
While the financial rewards can be significant, success in scriptwriting demands much more than talent.
“This career requires deep research and an understanding of societal dynamics. You need to travel, experience different cultures, and stay updated with changing societal trends. That is where you draw your inspiration from,” he said.
The actor highlighted consistency as a key factor, describing it as a progressive career.
“You cannot write one script and disappear for two years. It is a progressive field. By the time you are done with one script, you will already have new ideas for the next. It is a never-ending process.”
He noted that networking with others in the creative industry also plays a crucial role, adding that the interaction sharpens your storytelling skills and broadens your view.
What you need to start scriptwriting career
Aswani advised Kenyans seeking to enter the field that formal education is not necessarily a barrier.
“You do not need a degree in arts or literature to start. I know engineers and other professionals who are now successful scriptwriters because they had the passion.
“There are capacity-building workshops—especially around drama festival seasons—that help sharpen your skills. Attend them,” he recommended.
What are the trends in scriptwriting?
With the advent of technology, growing digital space and artificial intelligence (AI), the scriptwriting landscape keeps changing.
Aswani welcomed these trends, referring to them as a boost rather than a threat.
“AI does not initiate a script—it enhances what you already have. It helps you expand on your ideas, not replace them. The core creativity still has to come from the writer,” he noted.
Aswani proposed the creation of a national body to govern and regulate scriptwriting in Kenya.
“Just like we have the Kenya Film Classification Board and the Music Copyright Society of Kenya, we need a body that empowers, trains and certifies scriptwriters. That would raise the standard of work and protect both writers and clients,” he recommended.
How AI can improve career skills
According to career development expert Simon Ingasira, the emergence of AI is changing the job market in Kenya and globally.
Ingasira explained to TUKO.co.ke that job seekers should acquire AI-proof skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, innovation and emotional intelligence, to counter challenges related to the technology.
He noted job seekers should also focus on jobs that AI cannot replace, such as human-centric roles, therapists, HR managers, teachers, and creative professions such as design, writing, and music.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
