The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has stepped up inspections of matatus and long-distance buses fitted with entertainment screens. It is targeting content that is sexually explicit, violent or otherwise unsuitable for children. The board is running the crackdown with the National Police Service (NPS) and other stakeholders, Capital FM reported.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, the regulator told public service vehicle (PSV) operators that onboard entertainment must take into account the presence of children. "Operators of PSVs are cautioned against exhibiting inappropriate audiovisual content that may expose children to harmful material," KFCB said, according to Kenyans.co.ke. The board said enforcement would continue across the country during the holidays and beyond.
Kenyans.co.ke reported that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is also part of the operation, and that Nairobi is the main focus. Schools are closed for the long end-of-year holidays. December travel is expected to put more children on matatus and buses, either alone or with their families.
KFCB says matatus and buses that show films count as film exhibitors and need licences from the board. Under the Films and Stage Plays Act, films shown in Kenya must be classified and approved by KFCB. Its guidelines restrict content rated 16 and 18. Kenyans.co.ke noted the penalties under the Children Act, 2022. Making obscene material electronically accessible to children can lead to jail time, a fine of up to KSh 2 million, or both.
The board asked members of the public to report cases of children being exposed to inappropriate content in public transport and other public or private spaces. Complaints can go to its email address or official social media pages. "Protecting children from exposure to inappropriate audiovisual content, both online and offline, is a collective responsibility that requires the vigilance and active participation of all stakeholders," KFCB said.
The matatu operation follows an October 27 advisory. In it, KFCB announced three months of closer monitoring of online platforms and inspections of audiovisual premises such as gaming hubs. On November 4, the board met parents and caregivers at SOS Children's Villages in Mombasa under its Parents Digital Literacy (PaDiL) Programme. The sessions covered screen time, parental controls and spotting harmful material online.