The Chief Administrative Secretary for ICT, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Maureen Mbaka has lauded the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for the good work it is undertaking to protect children from harmful content.
Ms. Mbaka said she is impressed with the way the Board is vocal in marketing the film industry which has enlightened a lot of people to know and understand the functions of the Board and where to seek help when in need.
The CAS was speaking today during a familiarization visit at the KFCB offices at Uchumi House, Nairobi where she addressed the staff of the Board.
She also commended the Board for their good performance and for achieving set targets and urged the staff to set aside a period for monitoring their performance before end of the year.
“You need to review your performance Indicators for 2020/2021 of the Film Stage Act and ease of doing business as per your targets and performance contract to enable you achieve your set goals,” she added.
KFCB Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ezekiel Mutua said KFCB is partnering with the Ministry of Education to nurture talent of students in drama festivals, noting that the move is a frontier for job creation when students complete studies, as well as expose the students to the international level to enable the country have personalities like Lupita Nyongo.
“We have been documenting the drama events and will follow the talented students after schools to nurture their talents, since the Board is determined to identify talents from the Early Childhood Development centres to the national level up to the International level,” he added.
Dr. Mutua at the same time noted that besides entertainment, the Board also aims at using the film industry in inculcating moral responsibility among the youth and the society.
The CEO said the Board has started the process that will enable it undertake content rating and issuing of film licenses online, besides creating a one-stop shop where those seeking services can be attended to.
“I believe that adopting to new technology is going to enable film producers to access services and interact with KFCB online,” he added.
The Board has plans of rolling out the online services countrywide by 31st March, 2021.
He at the same time announced that the Board is ready to support the film industry to make films that align with the nation’s culture.
“We will facilitate film makers who produce clean films and have an agenda that sells Kenya, as simple clean contents sells,” he added.
KFCB Chairman Bishop (Rtd.) Jackson Kosgei said the Board’s mandate is to classify and regulate films to avoid the country being flooded with moral decadence content, and warned that it will not allow the country to be overrun by other cultures.
He said there can never be sustainable development when children are constantly exposed to negative and harmful content, noting that the Board will always champion stories that have cultural values and heritage.
“We assure the nation that the Board will continue to safeguard the nation and protect the country’s values as it markets films,” said Kosgei.
The Chairman said the Board will use films and media to tell positive stories that will leave a good legacy to the future generations about the country.
By Bernadette Khaduli
