Kenya film board to seek expertise from South Africa

The Kenya Films Classification Board will borrow from its South African counterpart effective ways of regulating new entrants as well as commercialising local content.

The film regulator Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa's Films and Publications Board (FPB) that fosters common approaches in online content regulation.

“We are alive to the challenges of new technologies especially the lack of regulation of online content,” said KFCB chief executive Ezekiel Mutua.

“The entry of Netflix into the local films space is a case in point, KFCB and FPB of South Africa will in the next few days be sharing experiences and views on how best to handle these situations.”

The agreement comes after the Kenyan regulator failed to stop Google from streaming a music video celebrating gay couples.

Google said in response to the KFCB that YouTube policies were not violated in the video and correct legal procedures were to be followed if at all the content was disrespectful.

OVERSTEPPING

The film board has lately been accused of overstepping its mandate in regulation and hence the need to seek expert opinion in regulating online content.

FPB CEO Themba Wakashe said South Africa's film industry is more developed and would aid Kenya in skills development as well as expertise needed to oversee upcoming challenges.

Kenya’s film sector, on the other hand, has experienced great growth, with a potential to generate Sh200 billion annually, according to statistics from the regulator.

In 2007, the industry earned Sh60 billion, creating thousands of new jobs for locals in the process.