Kenyan content creators on YouTube were left confused and frustrated after receiving letters from the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) demanding they obtain filming licenses for their content. Top Kenyan YouTubers are up in arms with the KFCB after it ordered them to acquire licenses before continuing to upload YouTube videos.
In short, the Board wants to regulate content creators on a platform with over 2.49 billion users with over 3.7 million new videos uploaded every day. Of more concern is whether this licensing move will be limited to YouTube or spread across all social media platforms.
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On Friday, KFCB wrote to several Kenyan content creators, giving them a 14-day ultimatum to obtain filming licenses or face legal action. Among those affected include Oga Obinna, Jacky Vike alias Awinja, Njugush, Abel Mutua, YY Comedian, Terence Creative, and Mulamwah. The letters, citing the Films and Stage Plays Act, gave creators 14 days to acquire the licenses or face legal action. This move sparked concern among YouTubers, who worried it would stifle the growing digital media industry in Kenya.
Here’s what happened:
The KFCB sent out letters to content creators requiring them to get filming licenses for their YouTube content. This caused confusion and frustration among creators, who expressed their concerns on social media.
Popular YouTubers like Obinna and Njugush questioned the practicality of the new requirement, especially considering the fast-paced nature of online content creation.
Thankfully, the situation took a positive turn. Njogu wa Njoroge, the Chairperson of the KFCB, intervened and revoked the demand letter. He emphasised supporting content creators and fostering the digital media industry. Njoroge called for stakeholder engagement to find a solution that balances regulation with growth.
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“We refer to the above matter and write to you as follows; 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 licenses from Kenya Film Classification Board,” the letters read.
The move elicited mixed reactions among content creators and Kenyans at large. However, KFCB chairperson Njogu Njoroge moved quickly and revoked the demand letters sent out to content creators.
“Our content creators should be supported all the way. They should be encouraged and supported 100 per cent,” Njoroge said. “We should be training our youth on monetisation, and we are deliberate on that matter. I have directed the management to withdraw the notices and organise for an engagement with all the stakeholders.”
“We should be talking about thousands of opportunities if not hundreds of thousands of jobs in the digital media.”
Here is how top Kenyan YouTubers have reacted to the orders:
Abel Mutua
@kfcbkenya mnajua nacheka kwa nini? Hii ni maajabu.
Njugush
@kfcbkenya say there’s a trend, I quick shoot a clip on my phone to run with the trend but I first send it to you to approve the 2 mins “film” Instead of using YouTube own checks? Jameni guys….. Gagging ama ni hali ya kutafuta ? Kama ukona YouTube channel unaona je?
Eric Omondi
FCB Kama nyinyi ni WANAUME Jaribuni…AAAAAAIIIIIIII!!!! I will PERSONALLY DEAL With you SCATHINGLY!!! We can DISBAND YOU EVEN TOMORROW MORNING!!! Msichezee Maisha ya Watu.
Boniface Mwangi
Paskal Opiyo analeta kazi kwa mchezo 😂😂😂. Mwambie atafute switch ya YouTube Hapo @kfcbkenya azime your account kama yeye ni ndume. Hii ni ujinga tupu.
Mammito
Instead of making it better for us and encouraging that we create more content about our people and culture.. Wameamua kutumaliza… And please am Njoki not Njeri
Mulamwah
AFASALI MUTUNYONGE BAAS
Milly Chebby
Hata sina nguvu Kenya 😭😭😭 When we are just trying to get it right then this sisi ni wa nani haki @kfcbkenya I feel like there should have been a better way than this not sure if I should be mad or laugh about it sending you videos for approval. Content creation is not as easy as it may look
Awinja
Yani 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. Oh Alafu @kfcbkenya ni Awinja Nyamwalo, Awilo sijui ni gani but since I got it on my Email here we are…Kumbe Kukasirika inaeza toa Kizungu noma hivi 🤣🏃🏾♀️
MC Jessy
Acting CEO of KFCB Tafadhali, Whoever gave you that idea of flagging The Creative Economy’s bread and Juice should also tell you that you are not going anywhere with this!!!! When was the last time KFCB supported the Creative Industry? When was the last time you attended any of the Creatives events? When was the last time you paid for a show where a Creative has organized? We are here trying to streamline the creative industry and people like you are busy kuporomosha. We build you demolish. We are here trying to have a Legal Framework for the Creative Economy, Pushing for the adoption of the Creative industries Bill in Parliament na Wewe Uko busy kubomoa waliojijenga without your support. Have you ever called a meeting of the so called creatives that you lead to even have a conversation about the industry? I Bet not!!! Hii nayo Hapana. Mr Opiyo, we know that you are acting, not a confirmed CEO, and we can read in between the lines that you are desperately looking to be Confirmed. With this, trust me you’ve missed it…!!!
