This is after several content creators posted the notices from acting Chief Executive Officer Paskal Opiyo who gave the creatives 14 days to acquire filming licences from the board or face legal action.
The ultimatum caused an uproar among the creators and Kenyans online who expressed their frustrations over the matter.
Hours after the notices were dispatched, KFCB chair Njoroge stated that he had directed the Board to recall the directive to pave the way for consultative meetings with the content creators.
“Our content creators should be supported all the way. They should be encouraged and supported 100 per cent. We should be training our youth on monetization, and we are deliberate on that matter,” he said.
“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,” he added.Some of the notable content creators who reaffirmed receiving the letters include Timothy Kimani alias Njugush, Jacky Vike alias Awinja, Ben Cyco, Eunice Mammito, Makarios Ouma also known as Mwafreeka, Oga Obinna, Abel Mutua, and Terence Creative among others.
“KFCB says when 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 2 mins “film” Instead of using YouTube own checks? If you have a YouTube channel what are your thoughts?” Njugush posted on his social platforms.
In the letter, KFCB accused the content creators of uploading audio-visual content and distributing it to the public without the filming licence from the board.
“Consequently, we demand that you strictly comply with the requirements of the Films and Stage Plays Act by obtaining filming licences for your films, and submitting them for examination and classification before the same is exhibited and distributed to the public through your YouTube channel,” the notice read in part.Additionally, the acting CEO pointed out that the board was acting in its mandate to regulate the broadcasting and distribution of content in the country.
“Take notice that unless you comply with the above in the 14 days, we shall institute legal proceedings by the provisions of the Films and Stage Plays Act and other relevant laws, without any further reference to you and at your risk as to costs and other attendant consequences thereto,” acting CEO Opiyo stated in the notice.
