The Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) has ramped up an effort to protect children from harmful audio visual content while empowering content creators through its Creative in Arts and Film Literacy (CAFIL) program.
In collaboration with the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF) KFCB aims to promote the creation of content that reflects Kenya’s cultural values and ensures the safety of children in the digital age.
The CAFIL program, rolled out in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Embu aligns with key national strategies, including the Fifth Pillar of BETA (Talanta Hela Initiative) and Vision 2030.
KFCB hopes to foster a thriving creative economy through this initiative by supporting talent monetization, job creation, and socio-economic growth.
“By implementing this program and supporting talent-driven initiatives, KFCB aims to contribute to a robust creative industry that generates jobs and fosters socio economic development,” said KFCB Acting CEO, CPA Pascal Opiyo .
This was during a CAFIL stakeholder engagement forum at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM).
Mr Opiyo highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for content creators, with streamlined regulations and support systems in place as part of the initiative, KFCB has developed a comprehensive handbook on film regulations offering a one stop resource for filmmakers seeking information on legal processes drone usage and permits for filming in protected areas like national parks and forests.
“This handbook is designed to simplify the filmmaking process, Content creators no longer need to visit multiple offices with this guide you have all the contacts you need for your work and you’ll receive the necessary support,” Opiyo explained.
With the explosion of social media, KFCB is introducing self-classification measures enabling content creators to regulate their work according to KFCB’s ratings.
The rise of platforms like YouTube and TikTok has outpaced traditional regulatory frameworks and Opiyo acknowledged the need for creators to play an active role in ensuring compliance.
“The digital space is expanding rapidly and our laws are working to keep up through self-classification, we empower content creators to take responsibility for the content they produce especially as children now have easier access to media,” he added.
The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has been a key partner in the CAFIL program. Prof. Laila Abubakar, Vice Chancellor of TUM remarked that the initiative aligns with the university’s mission to nurture creativity and entrepreneurial skills among students preparing them to become job creators rather than job seekers.
“This program is a great opportunity for our students linking them with industry professionals and regulators, the handbook will be invaluable for students pursuing communication studies guiding them on how to self-regulate when creating content,” said Prof. Abubakar.
Content creators have expressed their appreciation for the initiative seeing it as a crucial step toward creating safer content for children, particularly in the digital space.
Actress Laureen Ndosanjo highlighted the importance of protecting children from inappropriate content noting that children often consume media unsupervised during holidays.
“With the internet accessible everywhere, these guidelines will help us ensure that the content children are watching is appropriate,” said Ndosanjo.
Waridi Rehema, an emerging YouTuber and voice over artist, underscored the significance of creating culturally relevant content, adding that the program will also help content creators understand their intellectual property rights and regulatory responsibilities.
“As an African content creator, it’s essential to embody our cultural values in my work this program is helping me understand how to protect those values while navigating the complexities of content creation,” said Rehema.
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