Film board to launch nationwide crackdown against unlicensed video sellers

Kenya Film Classification Board CEO Ezekiel Mutua speaks to journalists in Mombasa on February 1, 2016. He announced that the board would soon launch a nationwide crackdown on all unregistered video distributors and exhibitors and those distributing pornographic material. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • He called on the police to assist their officers in dealing with some of the outlets that continue to violate the law.
  • He also called on parents to pay keen attention on what their children watch.
  • Mutua noted that technology had also increased vibrancy in the local industry which continues to attract more investment, creating more employment opportunities.
  • He said it was important that all video shops be licensed by the board as required by the law.

The Kenya Film Classification Board will soon launch a nationwide crackdown to ensure that all unregistered video distributors and exhibitors and those distributing pornographic material face the law.

KFCB CEO Ezekiel Mutua, who spoke at the Mombasa Continental Resort Monday, told the Nation that despite ongoing efforts to streamline the film industry, some individuals continued to engage in the sale of pornographic materials across the country.

“Our attention has been drawn to the proliferation of pornographic material in many parts of the country, distributed mainly through film outlets.

“We have reports that some unlicensed film operators in various parts of the country are still engaging in it, against the spirit of Cap 222 of the Stage Plays Act of the laws of Kenya, which forbids distribution of such content,” Mr Mutua said.

He warned all video operators to desist from the illegal activity, saying it was important that all video shops be licensed by the board as required by the law.

He added that the content shown in the video shops must bear the required classification labels issued by the board.

Mr Mutua called on the police to assist their officers in dealing with some of the outlets that continue to violate the law.

WHAT CHILDREN WATCH

He also called on parents to pay keen attention on what their children watch.

“We also need the support of religious organisations, learning institutions and the society in general in this cause. We make this call in recognition of the fact that we need to work together to ensure that our children are not exposed to inappropriate content,” he said.

He said that the board acknowledges film and broadcast content as a critical tool of transmitting values, making content one of the most important tools that can be used to raise a country’s profile in regard to maintenance of core values to the benefit of the wider society.

“This is the central point in the board’s decision to implement measures geared towards ensuring that all film and broadcast content is examined and classified as required by the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya.

WATERSHED PERIOD RESTRICTIONS

“KFCB is expected to fulfil this function through various laws, including the Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Act, 2013, which requires the board to ensure responsible content distribution by, among other things, imposing age restrictions on all films to be aired by broadcast stations as a deterrent against content depicting scenes intended for an adult audience from being aired during the watershed period,” Mr Mutua Insisted.

Mr Mutua said dealing with inappropriate content was one of the most critical challenges for the country, considering the dangers of access to content with elements of radicalisation and other aspects that can socialise the youth into behaviours that put national security at stake.

Mr Mutua noted that technology had also increased vibrancy in the local industry which continues to attract more investment, creating more employment opportunities.

However, the rise in the use of new technologies, such as the Internet, have introduced considerable regulatory dilemmas, he added.

“We are cognisant of the significantly altered scheme in the approaches of production, distribution as well as consumption of filmed material. It is our view that the Internet and other online platforms should be regulated to safeguard the country’s morals from erosion,” He said.