The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) is facing an imminent shutdown as the National Assembly considers aggressive legislation to dissolve the agency and transfer its regulatory powers directly to the Cabinet Secretary. The proposed Films and Stage Plays (Amendment) Bill, 2026, marks a seismic shift in how audiovisual content is regulated in the country, effectively signaling the end of the long-standing regulatory body.
Under the new draft legislation, the government intends to repeal the sections of the Films and Stage Plays Act that establish the KFCB. Once enacted, the functions currently handled by the Board—including the licensing of film agents, the examination of audiovisual content, and the issuance of certificates of approval—will be reverted to the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy.
Addressing Operational Inefficiencies
Parliamentary documents indicate that this move is part of a broader government-wide strategy to restructure State Corporations. The administration cites “operational and financial inefficiencies” as the primary driver for the dissolution, aiming to streamline government functions, improve service delivery, and significantly reduce the burden on the national exchequer.
“The principal object of this Bill is to provide for the dissolution of the Kenya Film Classification Board and revert the functions performed by the Board to the relevant Ministry,” the Bill’s memorandum states.
Uncertain Future for Staff and Leadership
The proposed dissolution places the future of the Board’s leadership and its permanent staff in limbo. If the Bill passes, the tenure of the current Board chair and the management team will be automatically terminated. While the legislation includes provisions for the redeployment of ordinary employees into the wider public service, the specialized nature of film classification leaves questions regarding how the Ministry will manage the transition of these technical responsibilities.
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