Abel Mutua, Njugush Lead Protests As KFCB Threatens To Sue YouTubers For Lacking Licences

• Kenyan content creators have come out in huge numbers to protest the guidelines stipulated by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) or face the law
• Almost all notable YouTubers received a demand letter from the film regulator directing them to follow the requirements needed
• Njugush, Abel Mutua and others condemned KFCB, terming their move retrogressive and unfair to content creators

Top Kenyan content creators Abel Mutua, Njugush, and Jacky Vike alias Awinja, have led an online protest against the Kenya Film Classification Board's (KFCB) requirements.

Many content creators in Kenya have taken to social media to express their anger after receiving letters from the film regulator to comply with listed requirements.

What KFCB guidelines should Kenyan YouTubers meet?

In the letters seen by TUKO.co.ke, KFCB reminded the YouTubers about some rules they were flouting and demanded they get compliant within 14 days or face the law.

Part of the letter addressed to the content creators said:

"Section 15 of the Films and Stage Play Act, Cap 222 mandates that KFCB regulate the creation, broadcasting, possession, distribution and exhibition of film and broadcast content in the country. Further, Section 4 of the Act requires all filmmakers producing films within Kenya for public exhibition or sale, locally or internationally, to obtain a filming licence. Additionally, Section 12 requires that all classes of film being distributed, exhibited or broadcasted within Kenya must be examined by KFCB and a certificate of approval issued."

Failure by all content creators who received the letters to comply will lead to legal proceedings.

This comes barely a year after creatives protested the proposed digital tax that would require content creators to pay more.

While reacting, Mutua said:

"@KFCB, you know why I am laughing. This is shocking."

Njugush said:

"KFCB says there's a trend. I quickly shoot a clip on my phone to run with the trend, but I first send it to you to approve the two mins "film" instead of using YouTube's own checks. Jameni guys. Gagging or seeking for more money."

Awinja blasted the film board for lagging the industry, yet it opened up gigs and employment opportunities to many people.

Here are some of the comments from social media users:

@benakimosh said:

"These are the questions you should have been asking when you met rais."

@Kephakalfie said:

"Labda big brother ndo amesema wacha tungoje mauongo zirudi."

@comedian_mwirigi said:

"We don’t have a country."

@Kanisha said:

"This is just insane."

President William Ruto on creators earning more

In June 2023, President William Ruto claimed comedians Njugush and Eddie Butita earned more than him while speaking during the Kenya National Drama Festival State Concert at State House.

Njugush and Butita were also present, and they gave a heartwarming speech encouraging the creative youngsters.

While congratulating the two men, Ruto noted that they made more money than him, and netizens should not look down upon them.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke