Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has now admitted that the proposed Film Bill is defective and needs some changes.
The Board has now organized a meeting with stakeholders in the industry in a bid to re-look at it before being tabled in the National Assembly for debate.
Addressing the stakeholders moments after opening the meeting at Sopa Lodge in Naivasha, KFCB CEO, Ezekiel Mutua sought to clear the air, saying what they had were proposals and not a Bill.
He termed as false, the impression that the board had come with a Bill without involving all the players in the entertainment industry.
“We are here to discuss cap 222, which has, in the past caused acrimony due to a misconception by some of the stakeholders,” he said.
In October last year, the board faced off with some of the industry players over the controversial proposals, with KFCB being accused of overreaching its mandate and attempting to stifle the sector.
Mutua stressed the need to charge the “very old act” and align it with the constitution, adding that it was key for the development of the sector.
“We are going to take their views on board and incorporate them in the proposed regulations as we have no intention to neither stifle creativity nor limit expressions,” he said.
The KFCB boss cited piracy, which he said would be best addressed within a legal framework and ensure a structured benefit for the players in the sector.
The CEO said they have sixty days to engage with stakeholders after meeting with musicians and their representatives.
Governance Consultant Ben Mulwa said the board continues to receive complaints about profane music and other vices within the industry.
“That’s why we want a sound legislative framework that will guide the sector and tame those tainting the image of the sector,” he said.
A local musician Maureen Kunga of the Elani group and a lawyer said they were ready to engage with KFCB and see how best to manage the sector.
“We have started formal engagement with a view of looking at the grey areas that has caused acrimony in the past,” she said.
Another musician John Katana voiced his support for the protection of the local content and hailed the board for seeking to listen to their input.
“Although it in the early stages, I believe what will be discussed here will for the best interest of all the players in the industry”.
