Film Board Mulls Over Youtubers Licencing

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Chrispen

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Friday, May 24, 2024 –A sigh of relief to Kenyans Youtubers after the Kenya Film Classification Board KFCB Chairperson Njogu wa Njoroge withdrew their earlier notice requiring all content creators to acquire licenses for their online works.

The KFCB Chair Njogu wa Njoroge, on Friday May 24, ordered for the withdrawal of a notice sent to YouTube content creators around the country directing them to obtain licences before uploading their works on the platform.

The rescinded demand was issued by KFCB Acting CEO Paskal Opiyo to various top Kenyan YouTubers among them Abel Mutua, Njugush, Jacky Vike, Terence Creative, Oga Obinna and others.

It required them to obtain filming licences for their content, as well as submit their videos to KFCB for examination and classification before sharing them out for public consumption.

However, according to Mr. Njoroge, the directive was issued in bad light since content creators deserve to be supported by the government.

In a subsequent statement posted to social media, the KFCB Chair stated that he had directed the State body’s management to rescind the directive and sit down with the sector stakeholders before any action is taken.

“Our content creators should be supported all the way. They should be encouraged and supported 100%. We should be training our youth on monetization, and we are deliberate on that matter,” he said.

“I have directed the management to withdraw the notices and organize for an engagement with all the stakeholders. We should be talking about thousands of opportunities, if not hundreds of thousands of jobs in the digital media.”

Mr. Opiyo, in the earlier notice sent to content creators, had warned them of legal action in accordance with the provisions of relevant laws if they failed to comply with his directives within 14 days.

“We demand that you strictly comply with the requirements of the Films and Stage Plays Act by obtaining filming licences for your films, and submit them for examination and classification before the same is exhibited and distributed to the public through your YouTube channel,” he had stated in the notice.

He warned the content industry of legal action should any fail to comply with orders.

“Take notice that unless you comply with the above in the next fourteen (14) days, we shall institute legal proceedings in accordance with the provisions of the Films and Stage Plays Act and other relevant laws, without further reference to you and at your own risks as to costs and other attendant consequences thereto.”

This happening even as President William Ruto who was on a five day tour with a section of content creators in the U.S.A had promised to support the industry to grow to greator heights.