Njogu wa Njoroge, Chairperson of the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), has ordered the withdrawal of a notice sent to YouTube content creators directing them to obtain licenses before uploading their work to the platform.
KFCB Acting CEO Paskal Opiyo issued the rescinded demand to several top Kenyan YouTubers, including Abel Mutua, Njugush, Jacky Vike, Terence Creative, and Oga Obinna.
It required them to obtain filming licenses for their content and submit their videos to KFCB for examination and classification before publishing them on YouTube for public consumption.
However, according to Mr. Njoroge, the directive was issued in a negative light because content creators deserve to be supported by the government rather than stifled.
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In a subsequent statement on social media, the KFCB Chair stated that he had directed the State Body's management to rescind the directive and instead meet with sector stakeholders.
In an earlier notice sent to content creators, Mr. Opiyo warned them that they would face legal action under relevant laws if they did not 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.
“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.”