Unlicensed Films Face Ban As Regulator Enforces Compliance Rules

By Janet Chepkurui

Kenya’s film regulator has moved to tighten oversight of audiovisual content, giving filmmakers three months to submit unlicensed productions for approval or face a ban on distribution and exhibition.

In a public notice, the Kenya Film Classification Board said the move seeks to enforce compliance with the Films and Stage Plays Act governing the creation, distribution and exhibition of audiovisual content in the country.

The board said all filmmakers must obtain a filming licence before undertaking any production within Kenya, while films and promotional materials must be submitted for examination and age classification before public release.

“The Kenya Film Classification Board is a regulatory State Corporation established under the Films and Stage Plays Act to regulate the creation, broadcasting, possession, distribution and exhibition of film and audiovisual content in the country,” the notice states.

The regulator said the oversight framework is intended to ensure audiovisual content aligns with national values and protects consumers, particularly children and vulnerable groups, from exposure to inappropriate material.

Section 4 of the Act requires every filmmaker to obtain a filming licence from the Board before undertaking any filming activity within the Republic of Kenya, to ensure compliance with national regulations.

Further, Sections 13 and 14 of the Act require that all films and related promotional materials, including posters and trailers, be submitted to the Board for examination and classification before they are distributed, broadcast or exhibited to the public.

According to the board, a significant number of filmmakers have been unable to commercially exploit their work or present it at film festivals due to failure to comply with filming, distribution and exhibition requirements.

To address the backlog, the board announced a three-month grace period running from March 4 to June 4, 2026, allowing filmmakers to submit productions created from 2018 to date that have not undergone the statutory approval process.

“Upon the lapse of this notice, any film that will not have been duly licensed and classified for age appropriateness shall not be distributed, broadcast or exhibited to the public. Contravention of the same shall be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the board warned.