Board participates at the Africa Internet Academy Forum

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), Ag. CEO Christopher Wambua, was among the panelist during the Africa Internet Academy, held on Thursday 25th May 2023, at the Strathmore Business School. 
Hosted by Google under the theme, ‘Good Regulatory Practices for the Digital Economy’, the workshop brought together leaders in technology policy and regulation across Africa, including the African Union, regional and national legislative, as well as regulatory agencies.
Speaking during the forum, Mr Wambua said that KFCB has proposed introduction of self-classification framework to promote ease of doing business in the local film sector. 
He observed that the proposed shift to self-classification for broadcasters and streamers is meant to spur the local film sector by encouraging investment as well as creating more opportunities for local filmmakers to monetize their talents.
On the proposed self-classification, Mr. Wambua said that the Board would going forward only oversight self-regulating entities in the interest of safeguarding consumer interests. 
Before onboarding interested entities into self-regulation framework, the applicable entities would apply to KFCB for authorization at a fee. 

Subsequently, duly authorized broadcasters and commercial online streamers would undergo training in the local film classification guidelines to enable the applicable entities assign age ratings to audio visual content running on their respective platforms.
For user generated film content, Mr. Wambua said digital audio-visual platforms would be required to strictly enforce their respective community standards, and to take down flagged video content that contravenes local laws or offends cultural sensibilities.  
The discussions centered on the importance of good regulatory practices to enhance regulatory quality with focus on the digital economy in Africa and beyond.
Nigeria’s National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Executive Director, Mr. Adedayo Thomas, was among the dignitaries who graced the event.