Kenya Film board on the spot over ‘dirty’ videos

MPs have accused the Film Classification Board and the Information ministry of failing to protect children from harmful and immoral content in videos and television programmes.

The accusations were directed at Information assistant minister George Khaniri shortly after he admitted that the film board does not have enough staff to monitor the videos shown in cafés across Kenya.

Mr Khaniri said the board would soon be employing staff to be deployed in the 47 counties to monitor the content of videos shown in the popular screening rooms.

He said the board is waiting for Sh17 million from the Treasury for that purpose and that those found showing the harmful, mostly pornographic, videos, would be arrested.

“With full capacity, the board will be able to ensure that all unrated films are not shown,” said Mr Khaniri.

However, he said no films had been banned, but classification had been done and viewing times set.

But MPs Gitobu Imanyara (Imenti Central, CCU) and Jeremiah Kioni (Ndaragwa, PNU) said the existing officers had not done enough to stop screening of immoral films.

Mr Imanyara said even if the board was to increase its staff numbers, the policing would not work as the flaws lie in the film classification process.

He said the board lacks the capacity to sufficiently vet all materials before they are allowed for distribution or broadcasting.

They were supported by Yusuf Chanzu (Vihiga, ODM) and Dr Boni Khalwale (Ikolomani, New Ford Kenya) who said the board has also failed to police the content on television.

“If there is any station showing movies rated adult during the day, they should be prosecuted,” Mr Khaniri said.

Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim ruled Mr Khaniri’s answer inadequate and demanded that he present a comprehensive answer to the question by Nominated MP Millie Odhiambo in two weeks.

Reported by John Ngirachu, Caroline Wafula and Njeri Rugene