The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has announced intensified monitoring of online platforms and inspections of audiovisual premises over the next three months to protect children from inappropriate content during the long school holiday.
In a media consumer advisory issued on Tuesday, October 27, the Board said it was working with other government agencies to strengthen compliance checks at establishments, including gaming hubs, where children could be exposed to adult content and illegal filming.
The crackdown comes after primary and secondary schools closed for the third term, ushering in the end-of-year holiday that began on October 23. Learners are expected to resume classes in January 2027.
With children spending nearly two months away from school, KFCB warned that increased screen time could expose them to age-inappropriate material on television, streaming services, social media and online gaming platforms.
“The board is collaborating with other relevant government agencies to intensify monitoring and compliance throughout the holiday season, both online and offline,” KFCB stated.
The agency called on audiovisual content distributors, broadcasters, exhibitors, video-show operators and gaming platform operators to comply with licensing and content classification requirements to ensure children access only age-appropriate material.
KFCB added that its inspections would cover premises where minors may be admitted and potentially exposed to adult content, alongside inappropriate material circulating on digital platforms.
KFCB Issues Warning to Parents
The Board also urged parents, guardians and caregivers to take a more active role in supervising children's media consumption during the holiday.
It advised families to activate parental controls, establish appropriate screen-time limits and ensure children access platforms offering content suitable for their age.
"Parents are further advised to engage children in conversations about what they watch, listen to and encounter online, promote educational and family-friendly content," KFCB advised.
The agency further encouraged parents to organise constructive holiday activities and remain attentive to children's whereabouts, peer interactions and the environments they visit.
It warned that, beyond exposure to harmful digital content, children could encounter other negative influences, including substance abuse, which could affect their behaviour, moral values and overall development.
The Board stressed that protecting children requires continued supervision even when schools close for the holidays.
Offenders Face Penalties Under Kenyan Law
KFCB's advisory comes amid concerns over children's exposure to unsuitable material as they spend more time online and engage with entertainment platforms during the school break.
The agency urged members of the public to report inappropriate audiovisual content through its official email address, info@kfcb.go.ke, or its social media platforms for appropriate action.
Kenyan law provides penalties for individuals and businesses found guilty of exposing children to harmful content, depending on the nature of the offence.
Under the Children Act, 2022, offences involving obscene material made accessible to children electronically can attract imprisonment, a fine of up to Ksh2 million, or both.
The Board said its enhanced monitoring and enforcement efforts would run throughout the holiday period as it seeks to ensure compliance with content classification rules and safeguard children from inappropriate material.
