Uproar as KFCB now demands YouTube content creators get licences

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to various YouTubers over uploading audio-visual content to their channels without valid licences.

In a letter seen by Citizen Digital, KFCB directed the various creators, who include Oga Obinna, Terence Creative, Awinja Nyamwalo and Abel Mutua, to obtain filming licences for their content.

The board further directed the creators to submit their videos to KFCB for examination and classification before they are shared to the public.

"Our attention has been drawn to your YouTube channel where you have continuously uploaded audio-visual content for purposes of exhibiting and distributing it to the public, without acquiring the requisite filming licences from Kenya Film Classification Board," Acting CEO Paskal Opiyo said in the statement.

“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."

KFCB went on to warn the YouTubers that if they failed to comply with the directives within 14 days, they would face legal action in accordance with the provisions of relevant laws.

“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,” KFCB added.

Reacting to the orders, an unimpressed Awinja said, "Yaani the moment there have been increased positive content creation, job creation and international recognition, KFCB mnafufuka.

"The fact that you have not even considered a sit down with content creators, you’ve  just gone straight to red taping us, it says so much about  your intentions."

On his part, Obinna expressed similar outrage saying, "Sasa hii ni gani tena? Hebu mniUpdate jamani, mimi nimechanganyikiwa...Fellow YouTube owners mko na licence?"

Terence Creative too reacted to the directives, stating; "Aki Wash Wash si ukweli ni kipindi tu mi hufanya kuhamasisha Wakenya wasiibiwe...ni acting tu aki...vitu mingi hapo ni za kutag watu..."

Njugush, too, has been hit with the KFCB demand letter. It appears that more Kenyan creatives may also be slapped with the demands too.

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