The Films and Stage Plays Amendment Bill, 2026

In short

The Films and Stage Plays (Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes a major restructuring of film regulation in Kenya by abolishing the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB). This decision aligns with government efforts to streamline state corporations, reduce financial inefficiencies, and cut down on public spending. Under the new framework, the Cabinet Secretary and designated public officers from the Ministry will take over the roles of licensing, examining, and classifying films and posters. All existing licenses, assets, liabilities, and staff of the dissolved Board will be transitioned to the Ministry and the wider public service.

Clause by clause

1. Clause 2

   Definition of Cabinet Secretary

   Deletes the definition of the 'Board' (KFCB) and introduces the definition of the 'Cabinet Secretary' responsible for films and stage plays to reflect the shift in authority.

2. Clause 3

   Appointment of Licensing Officers

   Requires that licensing officers appointed by the Cabinet Secretary must be public officers employed within the Ministry.

3. Clause 4

   Abolition of the Board

   Repeals Section 11 of the principal Act, officially dissolving the Kenya Film Classification Board as a corporate body.

4. Clause 9

   Transfer of Film Exhibition Approvals

   Transfers the power to register film exhibitors and distributors, and to issue certificates of approval, from the Board to the Cabinet Secretary and licensing officers.

5. Clause 12

   Role of the Cabinet Secretary

   Replaces the functions of the Board with the role of the Cabinet Secretary, who will now oversee film regulation, age restrictions, and consumer advice.

6. Clause 13

   Film Examination and Excisions

   Empowers individual licensing officers, rather than the Board, to approve films, order cuts (excisions), or reject films for public exhibition.

7. Clause 14

   Classification of Unsuitable Films

   Authorizes licensing officers to rate films as 'for adults only' or unsuitable for children under specific ages, and restrict child admission.

8. Clause 17

   Transition and Savings

   Gives effect to the Schedule which details how the assets, liabilities, contracts, and staff of the dissolved Board will be managed and transferred.

9. Schedule (Para 1)

   Validity of Existing Licenses

   Ensures that all licenses and certificates issued by the Board before the dissolution remain valid under the Cabinet Secretary until they expire.

10. Schedule (Para 5)

    Redeployment of Employees

    Guarantees that staff members employed by the Board at the time of dissolution will be redeployed within the wider public service.