KFCB boss Ezekiel Mutua, matatus are not broadcasters

Kenya Films Classification Board CEO Ezekiel Mutua (right) addresses the Media at Travellers Beach Hotel in Mombasa County on Thursday February 8, 2018. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

Can public service vehicles (PSVs) be classified as broadcasters? This is the notion implied by Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) Chief Executive Ezekiel Mutua last week (February 8,2018) justifying a crackdown on matatus accused of playing unclassified content.

The crackdown, heavily enforced in parts of Mombasa County, saw dozens of vehicles impounded and crew arrested for playing music considered lewd with KFCB stating the arrested will be charged with “exhibiting unclassified content without a permit.”