Kenyan actor and director Nice Githinji has achieved a major milestone in the local film industry. She has become Kenya’s first certified intimacy coordinator, bringing international safety and consent standards to film and television productions. The certification marks an important step towards creating safer working environments for performers across East Africa.
Kenya’s Film Industry Embraces Safer Sets
The Kenya Film Commission supported Githinji’s certification alongside partners, including MultiChoice Talent Factory and GIZ.
Her SAG-AFTRA-approved training prepares her to coordinate intimate scenes while protecting performers’ safety, dignity and consent.
Intimacy coordinators work with actors and production teams to plan sensitive scenes. They establish clear boundaries and agree on choreography before filming begins. Their involvement also helps prevent unwanted physical contact and misunderstandings during intimate scenes.
Raising Standards Across East Africa
Githinji’s achievement could help transform workplace culture across the regional entertainment industry. Certified intimacy coordinators can help productions replace informal practices with structured safety procedures.
These include clear communication, agreed boundaries and professional handling of sensitive scenes. The approach also supports productions seeking international partnerships and distribution opportunities.
Global streaming platforms and international co-productions increasingly expect professional safeguards when filming sensitive content. Such standards can help Kenyan productions strengthen their credibility in the global market.
Experience Behind the Milestone
Githinji brings more than two decades of experience as an actor and director. She has also applied intimacy coordination practices to regional productions, including MTV Shuga Mashariki and Tuki? (Tukisonga).
Her work demonstrates how experienced local professionals can introduce specialised practices to East African film sets.
The milestone could also encourage more filmmakers to prioritise consent and performer welfare during production.
As Kenya’s creative sector continues to grow, Githinji’s achievement offers a significant step towards safer, more professional filmmaking.
It also places greater emphasis on ensuring actors can perform demanding scenes without compromising their dignity or well-being.
