KFCB Opposes Bill to Dissolve It, Advocates for Strengthened Creative Sector Regulation

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has formally opposed the Films and Stage Plays (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes dissolving the Board and transferring its responsibilities to the relevant Ministry. The Board argues that such changes will not resolve existing regulatory and operational challenges within Kenya's creative sector.

In a presentation before the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture, KFCB Acting CEO Nelly Oluoch emphasized the importance of maintaining the Board's independent statutory status. She noted that this autonomy is vital for effectively carrying out its mandate, including protecting children and vulnerable groups from harmful content and fostering growth in the creative economy.

The Bill, sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, seeks to amend the Film and Stage Plays Act by abolishing KFCB and assigning its functions to the Ministry. However, KFCB advocates for abandoning this approach in favor of accelerating the Creative Economy Bill, 2025, which it believes offers a more comprehensive framework to address industry challenges.

Other key concerns raised include the Council of Governors' objection to the Bill's failure to address constitutional ambiguities over the division of duties between national and county governments. Council CEO Mary Mwiti highlighted that the Bill merely replaces KFCB with ministry officials, perpetuating existing constitutional misalignments.

The Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) also weighed in, warning that any restructuring must preserve technical expertise, institutional capacity, and independence to ensure effective film classification operations.

Additional stakeholders submitting views on the Bill included the Kenya Copyright Board, Kenya Film Commission, Kenya Law Reform Commission, Film Global Actors and Producers, and the Office of the Attorney General.

Committee Chairperson Stephen Mule assured that all stakeholder input will be carefully considered before any decisions on the proposed amendments are made.