Kenyans are now questioning whether the Kenya Films and Classification has the mandate to ask Netflix, a US multinational company which sells videos through the internet to apply for a broadcasting licence.
The sentiments have been raised via social media after KFCB asked the company which launched in Kenya recently to take this step stating that it is bringing in inappropriate content without inspection from the board.
Some of those who raised the issue via the Facebook page of the board's CEO Ezekiel Mutua on Monday sought to know whether online streaming services are subjected to the Public Code of Broadcasting regulations.
‘In the case of Netflix censorship, how’s that practical from your mandate to authorise them to apply for a broadcast licence viz-a-viz content classification? I thought online movie streaming services are restricted to one's privacy and access not subjected to public code of broadcasting regulations? Educate me’ asked James Anyona Asande.
On his part, Mutua admitted that Anyona’s sentiments were partly true. He was however quick to point out that as per Netflix, the content that is suitable for a 13-year-old in some instances may be extremely violent.
Mutua also stated that the board examines and classifies all film content regardless of the medium that has been used to transmit it.
‘That's partly true. But if you are parent and you select a movie based on the ratings on Netflix, you will be shocked to find that what is said to be suitable for age 13 for instance is extreme violence. My board deals with examination and classification of all film content irrespective of the medium used to transmit it. This is the reason we are questioning how Netflix came into the Kenyan market without any form of regulation,’ stated Mutua in his response via his Facebook page.