The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has issued a directive to parents and guardians, addressing children’s media consumption during the break.
In a statement dated April 1, the Film Board noted that children are likely to spend more time watching television, online videos, and other digital content, increasing their exposure to material that may influence their behavior and thinking.
The board cautioned that children are particularly vulnerable to harmful content due to their age and impressionability.
“As children break for the April school holidays, they will have increased access to various audio‑visual content, including online, stated the filming board. It added, “Research has shown that film and media content influence the behavior and thinking of consumers, especially children, who are highly impressionable.”
Guidelines Issued to Parents and Content Exhibitors During School Holidays
According to KFCB, parents, caregivers, and guardians should guide their children’s viewing habits throughout the holiday period.
The board recommends setting clear screen‑time limits, restricting access to age‑inappropriate content using parental control tools on devices and streaming platforms, and encouraging family viewing to help parents understand what children are consuming.
Also Read: Filmmakers in Kenya Given 90 Days to Get Licenses and Age Classification
The board also advised parents to guide children towards educational, creative, and positive programs that promote good values and critical thinking.
Members of the public were further encouraged to report content they believe is harmful or unsuitable for children to the Film Board for review and age rating through its official channels.
In addition, KFCB warned video show operators, PlayStation outlets, and other film exhibitors against admitting children into their premises unless the content on display is rated General Exhibition (GE).
The Film Board said it strengthens parental awareness through its Parents’ Digital Literacy Program (PADIL), which equips parents with skills to help children safely navigate digital platforms.
KFCB emphasized that protecting children from inappropriate media content is a shared responsibility, calling on parents, exhibitors, and the wider community to play their part during the school holiday period.
KFCB Role in Protecting Viewers
According to KFCB, the board was established as a statutory body under the Films and Stage Plays Act, which requires it to examine and classify films intended for public exhibitions and to ensure that all content shown to the public aligns with national values and aspirations.
Also Read: What Unbanning of Rafiki Means for African Film
The Board operates under the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and the Arts, which provides policy direction and resources to support its operations.
The mandate of the Kenya Film Classification Board includes ensuring that all films and posters are examined and classified before they are displayed, exhibited, hired, sold, or broadcast to the public by video libraries, video shows, cinema theatres, video vendors, or broadcast stations.
KFCB is also responsible for coordinating all matters related to film classification and exhibition in the country, reviewing and approving films before they are shown to the public, and also developing policy guidelines to help the government regulate film exhibitions in the country.
It further conducts research on film classification and regularly issues updated classification catalogs to businesses that handle video content, guiding what can legally be shown or sold.
The Board inspects and licenses cinemas, video theatres, and video libraries to ensure they comply with the law. It is also responsible for identifying and addressing violations of the Act and for taking appropriate action against operators or individuals who fail to comply with the set regulations.
