KFCB issues final warning to filmmakers as compliance deadline expires

Kenyan filmmakers, broadcasters, distributors and exhibitors have been put on notice as the government moves to tighten enforcement of film regulations under the Films and Stage Plays Act.

In a public notice, the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) reminded content creators that all filming activities in Kenya require prior licensing from the Board. It also stated that films, trailers, posters and other promotional materials must be submitted for examination and classification before they can be distributed, broadcast or exhibited to the public.

The regulator said it had observed with concern that many filmmakers have been unable to commercially benefit from their productions or showcase them at film festivals due to non-compliance with filming, distribution and exhibition requirements.

According to the Board, failure to secure the necessary approvals has denied many creatives opportunities to earn income from their work despite investing significant time and resources in production.

To address the issue, KFCB granted a three-month grace period from March 4 to June 4, 2026, allowing filmmakers to regularise productions created between 2018 and 2026 that may not have complied with statutory requirements.

The Board urged filmmakers to take advantage of the window to obtain the approvals needed to lawfully distribute, broadcast and monetise their productions.

However, the grace period is now coming to an end, with the regulator warning that any film not duly licensed and classified for age suitability will not be allowed to be distributed, broadcast or exhibited to the public after the deadline.

KFCB further cautioned that violations of the law will attract enforcement action in accordance with the Films and Stage Plays Act.

The notice serves as a significant reminder to Kenya's growing creative industry, which has seen increased investment in filmmaking, digital content creation and film festivals in recent years. For many independent filmmakers, compliance with regulatory requirements could determine whether their projects reach audiences and generate revenue.

The Board maintained that its mandate extends beyond regulating the creation, broadcasting, possession, distribution and exhibition of audiovisual content. It also seeks to ensure content aligns with Kenya's cultural and national values while protecting consumers, especially children and other vulnerable groups, from inappropriate material.

As the compliance deadline lapses, filmmakers who have yet to obtain filming licences or classification certificates risk having their productions barred from public screening, television broadcast, streaming distribution or festival exhibition until they meet the legal requirements.