In January, the Kenya Film and Classification Board announced it planned to regulate video streaming service Netflix. The announcement followed the launch of Netflix in Kenya where users would stream unlimited televisions shows and movies for a one-off fee between $8-11. In its stand on the Netflix matter, the Board cited the Films and Stage Acts Cap 22 that gives the authority power to regulate creation, broadcast, distribution, possession and exhibition of audiovisual content in the country. The board also stated its mandate of ensuring content distributed in Kenya meets a threshold that respects Kenya’s cultural and national values.
The board announced yesterday that broadcasters of free to air content in Kenya have until 1st March to ensure their content is submitted to the board for verification. The vetting and classification exercise is meant to ensure programmes are allocated times to air. The content is also to be reviewed to ensure it meets the set guidelines by the board. The Board further accused media houses of violating broadcasting regulations by airing content which should be rated 18. KFCB is currently conducting a campaign referred to as “We Are What We Consume” aimed at sensitizing the youth on media content besides enforcing regulations on content broadcasting in Kenya.
