KFCB Intensifies Crackdown on Unclassified Content

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has put entertainment establishments, particularly those offering PlayStation services, on high alert. This comes as Kenyan schools prepare for the extended December holidays, a period when children are considered more susceptible to exposure to inappropriate media.

In a statement released on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the KFCB cautioned video game operators and other content exhibitors against allowing children to view or play content deemed unsuitable for their age. The regulator highlighted the vulnerability of children during the long break, which runs from late October to early January, especially in unsupervised entertainment environments.

Legal Framework and Penalties

The KFCB's mandate stems from the Films and Stage Plays Act, Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya. This Act restricts the exhibition of films or games to the public without prior classification and approval by the Board.

Violators of this law face severe penalties, including fines of up to KSh 100,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Furthermore, the KFCB has the authority to revoke licenses and initiate legal proceedings against proprietors found exposing minors to inappropriate content. They can also issue formal demand letters requiring the removal of inappropriate content and cessation of illegal operations, with non-compliance leading to further legal action.

Parental Role and Digital Safeguards

Beyond regulatory enforcement, the KFCB has appealed to parents to actively monitor the content their children consume across various platforms, including television, online sites, and gaming. The Board also announced its ongoing efforts to equip families with the necessary tools to safeguard children in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The KFCB's role, as a state corporation established in 1963, is to regulate the creation, broadcasting, distribution, and exhibition of film and broadcast content to ensure it aligns with Kenya's cultural values and national aspirations, and to protect children from harmful content.

Historical Context of KFCB's Mandate

The Films and Stage Plays Act of 1962, which came into force in 1963, established the KFCB with the primary objective of examining and classifying films, imposing age restrictions, and providing consumer advice. Over the years, the Board has been involved in rating and classifying films and television programmes, and has also faced criticism for what some perceive as overzealous censorship. The Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA) further empowers the KFCB to monitor television stations and enforce the Programming Code, particularly regarding content aired during the watershed period (5:00 AM to 10:00 PM EAT).

What to Watch

With the December holidays for basic education institutions commencing on Monday, October 26, 2025, and running until Friday, January 2, 2026, the enforcement of these regulations is expected to intensify. Parents and entertainment providers should remain vigilant regarding content classification and age appropriateness to avoid legal repercussions and ensure a safe media environment for children.