The Kenya Film Classification Board has issued a 14-day ultimatum to several Kenyan content creators, requiring them to obtain filming licenses or face legal action.
The affected creators include Oga Obinna, Jacky Vike (alias Awinja), Njugush, Abel Mutua, YY Comedian, and Mulamwah.
In the letters sent to the actors’ emails, the film board stated that these content creators had been violating Section 4 of the Films and Stage Plays Act by operating without a filming license.
“We refer to the above matter and write to you as follows; our attention has been drawn to your YouTube channel where you have continuously uploaded audio-visual content for purposes of exhibiting and distributing it to the public without acquiring the requisite filming licenses from Kenya Film Classification Board,” the letters read.
Acting CEO Paskal Opiyo explained that the Act requires all filmmakers producing films within Kenya for public exhibition or sale, locally or internationally, to obtain a filming license.
“Additionally, Section 12 requires that all classes of film being distributed, exhibited or broadcasted within Kenya must be examined by KFCB and a certificate of approval issued,” Opiyo added.
He emphasized that the board was acting within its mandate to regulate the creation, broadcasting, possession, distribution, and exhibition of film and broadcast content in the country.
“Consequently, we demand that you strictly comply with the requirements of the Films and Stage Plays Act by obtaining filming licenses for your films and submitting them for examination and classification before the same is exhibited and distributed to the public through your YouTube channel,” the acting CEO said.
“Take notice that unless you comply with the above in the 14 days, we shall institute legal proceedings in accordance with the provisions of the Films and Stage Plays Act and other relevant laws, without any further reference to you and at your own risks as to costs and other attendant consequences thereto,” Opiyo said.