The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) will start implementing the administrative decision on the redefinition of the role of film agents in Kenya on December 1, 2022.
The implementation process begins with the adoption of the administrative decision by industry players and stakeholders following an extensive public consultation process.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, 23rd November 2022, KFCB Ag. Chief Executive, Christopher Wambua, said that the redefinition of the role of film agents is intended to make it easier for young aspiring filmmakers to obtain licences directly from the Board rather than through a film agent, as is currently the practice.
“In line with the requirements of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), KFCB subjected the proposal to public participation through various media platforms. Upon completion of the public participation and validation processes, stakeholders, including industry players, endorsed the Board’s proposal to confine the scope of the film agent licence to provision of international standard services to foreign film and television producers,” Wambua said.
Wambua also outlined that KFCB will publish a Public Notice in the press to sensitize the industry on the validated administrative decision on redefining the role of Film Agents in Kenya and the KFCB’s intention to implement it.
“In order to create a conducive regulatory environment and ensure continued growth of the local film industry, KFCB, in August this year, initiated the process of redefining the role of Film Agents in Kenya.
“The redefinition of the role of film agents was also meant to make it easier for young aspiring film-makers to obtain licences directly from the Board instead of going through a film agent as in practice currently. This change would, in effect, restrict the licence scope of film agents to the provision of logistical support services to foreign film and television producers,” Wambua added.
Wambua also called on parents, caregivers and guardians to be more vigilant and monitor the audio-visual content their children will be consuming on various platforms and to guide the appropriately now that schools are scheduled to close for the December holidays.
“It is the responsibility of parents, guardians and caregivers to ensure that children under their care are not exposed to age-inappropriate content,” Wambua advised.
He advised parents to take deliberate steps to monitor what children watch online and take a keen interest in the gaming content and activities that their children are exposed to especially on the interment and the gaming consoles or play stations at home.
