The slated dissolution of the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), as part of the government’s broader plan to merge or dissolve state parastatals, has raised critical questions about the regulation of harmful content in Kenya.
With its mandate expected to revert to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports, and the Arts, the transition marks the end of an era for an organization once at the forefront of Kenya’s cultural content regulation.
The KFCB has been known for its strong stance against content it deemed immoral, unfit for public consumption, or contrary to Kenyan societal values.
Under the leadership of former CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, the board made headlines for banning films and videos and engaging in controversial battles with creators both Kenya and around the world.
Movies Banned by KFCB
During Mutua’s tenure, KFCB banned several local and international films, sparking debates over censorship and creative freedom.
1. Rafiki (2018): Directed by Wanuri Kahiu, Rafiki was banned for its portrayal of a lesbian love story, which KFCB deemed contrary to Kenya’s moral values and laws. The film gained global recognition despite the ban, eventually earning a one-week local screening after a court ruling.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): This Hollywood blockbuster was banned for its explicit sexual content, nudity, and profanity.
3. Fifty Shades of Grey (2015): The film was also prohibited for its sexual themes, which KFCB argued were inappropriate for Kenyan audiences.
4. Stories of Our Lives (2014): A locally-produced anthology of LGBTQ+ stories was banned for promoting what KFCB called “unnatural acts.”
Controversies Surrounding Ezekiel Mutua
Ezekiel Mutua’s leadership of KFCB was marked by bold decisions and public disputes.
For instance, Mutua will be credited with jerking the local content sector after pushing the government to renovate the Kenya National Theatre and the Nairobi Cinema, both centers of excellence for thespians in Kenya and Africa.
Dubbed the “moral policeman,” Mutua frequently clashed with artists, accusing them of promoting immorality.
He got into trouble with key celebrities such as Eric Omondi, Sauti Sol and ‘gengetone’ artistes.
His hardline stance attracted both support and criticism. Years after he retired from the agency, and joined the Music Copyright Society of Kenya, Mutua is still nicknamed KFCB CEO for his radical changes.
However Mutua’s critics often accused him of stifling creative freedom and promoting conservatism at the expense of artistic expression.
With KFCB’s mandate reverting to the Ministry, stakeholders worry about the government’s ability to effectively regulate harmful content without a specialized body.
The focus now shifts to how the Ministry will balance protecting societal values while respecting freedom of expression and embracing the evolving creative industry.
