Kenya: Film board should consult all players

Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) Chief Executive Officer Ezekiel Mutua has proposed a bill; Films, Stage Plays and Publications Bill 2016 that is an affront to media freedom. Through the Bill, KFCB arrogates itself the role of society’s moral policeman while also encroaching on the jurisdiction of other regulatory institutions like the Communication Authority of Kenya.

Among other provisions, the law purports to shield and protect vulnerable groups like children from obscene, vulgar, violent and pornographic material. The bill neglects taking into account that that there are laws in existence that protect children namely, the Child Rights and Child Protection Acts. Thus, Mr Mutua’s proposed rules seek to override these constitutionally provided laws.