The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) chairperson Njogu has stepped in, instructing KFCB to revoke a demand letter sent to content creators, which required them to obtain filming licenses or face legal action.
The letters, issued on Friday, May 24, 2024, referenced Section 4 of the Films and Stage Plays Act and gave YouTube content creators 14 days to acquire the necessary licenses.
Njogu stated that he has directed KFCB to withdraw the letter to allow for stakeholder engagement. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the numerous opportunities and jobs in the digital media sector.
“Our content creators should be fully supported. They should be encouraged and backed 100 percent,” Njogu declared.
“We should be training our youth on monetization, and we are committed to that. I have instructed the management to retract the notices and arrange for discussions with all stakeholders.
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“We should be talking about thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of jobs in digital media.” He added.
The letter, signed by Acting KFCB CEO Pascal Martin Opiyo, noted that the board was operating within its mandate to regulate the creation, broadcasting, possession, distribution, and exhibition of film and broadcast content in Kenya.
“Our attention has been drawn to your YouTube channel, where you have continuously uploaded audio-visual content for public exhibition and distribution without acquiring the requisite filming licenses from the Kenya Film Classification Board.
“Therefore, we demand that you comply with the Films and Stage Plays Act by obtaining filming licenses for your films and submitting them for examination and classification before they are exhibited and distributed to the public through your YouTube channel,” the letter reads in part.
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“Take notice that unless you comply with the above within 14 days, we will initiate legal proceedings according to the Films and Stage Plays Act and other relevant laws, without further reference to you, and at your own risk concerning costs and other consequences,” he warned.
This letter prompted top content creators to express their confusion and frustration on social media.
“Wololo🙆🏿♂️🙆🏿♂️🙆🏿♂️🔥😰😰😰😰. What’s going on now? Someone update me, I am confused,” wrote Obinna on Instagram, seeking clarity from his followers and fellow YouTubers.
Njugush and YY argued that the move would stifle the thriving digital media industry in the country, questioning how content approval would work given the industry’s dynamics, where creators produce timely content to align with trending issues.
“KFCB, say there’s a trend. I quickly shoot a clip on my phone to follow the trend but first have to send it to you for approval of the 2-minute ‘film’ instead of using YouTube’s own checks? Guys, is this about censorship or something else? If you have a YouTube channel, what do you think?” Njugush asked.
