The Kenya Films and Classification Board (KFCB) has flagged a section of local content creators and podcasters over licensing issues.
In a letter sent to their private emails, the board demanded the individuals to comply with the Films and Stage Plays Act, by among other regulations by obtaining licences in 14 days and submitting their works for classification before broadcasting.
"We issue filming licences to local and foreign film-makers within Kenyan in line with the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222, Laws of Kenya," KFCB said in part.
The classification board directed the content creators to apply for licenses before planning, scripting, filming, and publishing their content online.
Demand letters also stated that applicants for the licenses must submit a Certificate of Registration Certificate Incorporation for Company, KRA PIN Certificate, Professional Certificate in audio-visual media production/filmmaking, and a list of equipment (for those who own equipment only).
The board's acting CEO Paskal Opiyo issued letters to Timothy Kimani alias Njugush, Jacky Vike alias Awinja, Steve Thompson Maghana also known as Oga Obinna, Makarios Ouma of the Mwafreeka podcast, Terence Creative and Abel Mutua among others.
In a letter sent to Abel Mutua seen by kenyans.co.ke, KFCB accused the creative of continuously uploading audio-visual content exhibiting and distributing it to the public, without acquiring the requisite filming licences.
How to Obtain a KFCB Filming Licence
It clarified that both fresh certificate applicants and renewals will cost an equal amount of Ksh 12,000.
The guidelines further explained that they will process filming permits for TV series and full-length feature films within 48 hours upon receipt of an application.
"Likewise, we process permits for short productions within 10-25 minutes," the board said.
For documentaries, TVC/advertisements, music videos, corporate videos, infomercials, travelogues, short films, testimonials and webisodes a license would cost Ksh 5,000.
The applicant will part with Ksh 15,000 for a full-length feature film and web series per season. Filming charges per day will cost Ksh 1,000.
Before a license is issued, the board will have to review your synopsis, screenplay, treatment, script outline, running order or storyboard and shooting schedule.
"Please note that a filming licence is issued for the production of a specific project, for the specific period as indicated in the shooting schedule," the board said.
The board stated that the licence expires upon the lapse of the dates indicated. However, if one requires additional filming days for the license issued, they must notify the authority before the expiry of the existing license.
