The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has embarked on a public campaign to sensitize Kenyans about child protection from exposure to harmful content by fronting the second phase of the ‘FormNiSafi” Public Service Vehicle (PSV) clean awards.
KFCB, a state agency established to regulate the creation, broadcasting, possession, distribution and exhibition of films in the country, is geared towards ensuring that content conforms to Kenya’s cultural values and protect children from exposure to inappropriate content.
Christopher Wambua, KFCB’S acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said that the awards are meant to encourage Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators to exhibit appropriate content to ensure that children who use PSVs are not exposed to adult material.
The campaign, which is running for eight consecutive weeks through KFCB’s social media platforms, involves members of the public voting for PSV drivers and conductors exhibiting clean content in their vehicles.
“PSV crew that will emerge winners in the campaign will be awarded a token Sh10, 000 alongside other awards from other partners including PSV Saccos,” stated Wambua.
He assured that the Board through its regional offices and in collaboration with the relevant agencies will reinforce monitoring and inspection to ensure that minors are not admitted into video dens which is a common vice during the school holidays.
Wambua also appreciated the fact that parenting in an increasingly digital environment has become an uphill task for most parents and guardians as he revealed that KFCB in collaboration with relevant partners will soon roll-out a Parental Digital Literacy Program (PaDiL).
“This Program that targets parents and caregivers also aims at promoting responsible digital parenting viewing practices among consumers of online content, especially children,” added Wambua.
He said PaDiL is meant to empower parents with skills on how to monitor and guide children on content access through various digital platforms as well as enhance parents’ awareness on emerging technologies.
Wambua disclosed that the Board will on Friday November 25, 2022 publish a public notice in the press to sensitize the industry on the validated administrative decision on redefining the role of Film Agents in Kenya and the KFCB’s intention to implement it.
“The role of Film Agents shall be restricted to the provision of logistical support services to foreign film and television producers,” he reiterated.
According to the acting CEO, KFCB will issue filming licenses to foreign film and television producers through film agents while local filmmakers will be issued licenses directly without going through Film Agents.
By Isaac K’Obonyo
