The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has put on notice video gaming joints in the North Rift region that are exposing children to graphic, violent and other offensive content.
The board warned the gaming joints that they were being closely monitored and stern action including arrest, prosecution and withdrawal of operating licenses would be taken against those found violating laws and rules governing the sector.
KFCB North Rift Regional Manager Emmanuel Mbutu said it was sad that some parents have turned the video gaming joints into daycare centres, where the children are exposed to harmful content without their knowledge the whole day.
“During our monitoring routines, we were shocked to realize that some parents, guardians, and caregivers have abdicated their roles of protecting the children by leaving them from morning until after work hours in video gaming joints that have been turned into child daycare centres,” said Mbutu in a press release Monday.
The regional manager warned that some children were slowly becoming addicted due to prolonged exposure to harmful content. “Some of the young children have resorted to stealing from the parents to go pay for the games resulting in delinquency traits,” he added.
The board called on the operators and parents to be more responsible and guide the children appropriately on video content that might be harmful to them.
“We also urge members of the public to report video gaming joints that are exposing our children to harmful content, especially during the current long holidays,” he appealed.
The board also advised parents, guardians and caregivers to be vigilant by monitoring what their children were watching on television, online platforms, or other broadcast channels, while providing proper guidance.
“The protection of children from harmful content is a collective responsibility, our children are unknowingly being exposed to foul language, violence, obscenity, nudity, radicalization, promotion of harmful drugs and substance abuse, propaganda for war, hate speech and incitement by some uncaring media platforms,” said Mbutu.
By Kiptanui Cherono
