The Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) has teamed up with the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) in a collaborative effort aimed at raising awareness about film regulation while nurturing talent to enhance job opportunities in Kenya’s growing audiovisual industry.
This partnership was announced during the launch of the Creative in Arts and Film Literacy (CAFIL) programme at TUM.
Acting KFCB CEO Pascal Martin Opiyo reckoned that the initiative is part of a broader effort to provide content creators with essential guidance on copyright laws, protecting the intellectual property of filmmakers in Kenya.
He noted that the programme seeks to equip creators with detailed knowledge, particularly in areas governed by the Films and Stage Plays Act (Cap 222), which regulates the industry.
“Through the Act, we engage creatives in five key areas: classifying films, imposing age restrictions on viewership, registering and licensing film agents and filmmakers, offering consumer advice, and prescribing guidelines to ensure the protection of women and children from exploitation,” explained Opiyo. “We are here to raise awareness about these areas and promote a safe and responsible creative industry.”
YOU MAY ALSO READ:
KNUT reveals plans to form a federation of all teacher unions in Kenya
Opiyo, who presided over the event, said that partnering with TUM was strategic due to the university’s large student population, many of whom are involved in content creation through the Department of Communication Studies and Social Sciences.
TUM Vice Chancellor Professor Laila Abubakar expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly contribute to job creation, empowering students to become job creators rather than job seekers.
The initiative, she said, will help address industry needs while fostering the educational growth of the next generation of creatives.
“This programme aligns perfectly with our university’s mission—to advance knowledge and its practical application,” said Abubakar. “We are nurturing our students to be innovative and creative so that they can produce content that will allow them to create jobs, not just seek them.”
KFCB’s awareness drive has already been rolled out in Embu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kisumu, Nairobi, and now Mombasa, with plans to extend nationwide.
The goal, according to the CEO, is to ensure that young content creators across the country are well-informed about the importance of regulatory compliance in the film industry.
To streamline access to information, Opiyo announced that KFCB has developed a Regulators’ Handbook for Film Practitioners in Kenya, designed as a one-stop resource for content creators.
Opiyo also acknowledged that the digital revolution, particularly the rise of social media, has posed new challenges to regulation.
“Before the digital explosion, regulation was easier to manage. But now, with the vast space created by social media, our laws are struggling to keep pace,” he said. “That’s why we’re now introducing a system of self-classification, training content creators to understand ratings such as GE (General Exhibition) for all ages and PG (Parental Guidance) for content that may not be suitable for children under 10.”
The event, themed #UsaniiSafe4All, brought together artists, filmmakers, and industry stakeholders to explore how creative works can promote cultural values while adhering to responsible content creation guidelines.
By Hilton Mwabili
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
