The Films and Stage Plays (Amendment) Bill, 2026
Status Timeline
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Public Review
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Debate
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Executive
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Final
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Dissolution of the Kenya Film Classification Board
The Bill repeals sections 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D of Cap. 222, effectively dissolving the Board, its membership structure, and the office of the Chief Executive Officer.
Transfer of Licensing Powers to Ministry Officers
Regulatory duties under sections 12 through 18—including the examination, classification, and approval of films and posters—will shift from the Board to designated licensing officers appointed by the Cabinet Secretary.
Redeployment of Staff and Asset Handover
Under the transitional provisions in the Schedule, all assets, liabilities, and obligations of the Board will be transferred to the National Treasury and the Ministry, while existing employees will be redeployed within the public service.
Bill No.
No. 32 of 2026
Gazette No.
Supplement No. 136 of 2026
Sponsor
Kimani Ichung'wah
Background
The Films and Stage Plays (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to amend the Films and Stage Plays Act (Cap. 222). The primary objective is to dissolve the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) and revert its operational and regulatory functions to the relevant Ministry. This action aligns with government policy to restructure State Corporations, address financial and operational inefficiencies, and reduce budgetary reliance on the national Exchequer.
Key Amendments
- Repeal of Board Establishment: The Bill repeals sections 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D of Cap. 222, removing provisions that establish the Kenya Film Classification Board, dictate its membership, allow co-option of members, and define the roles of the Chief Executive Officer and other staff.
- Reassignment of Roles: References to "the Board" in sections 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 29 of the principal Act are replaced with "the Cabinet Secretary" or "a licensing officer."
New Obligations
- Licensing Officers: The Cabinet Secretary is responsible for appointing licensing officers via Gazette notice to perform classification and licensing duties.
- Exhibition and Poster Approvals: Applications for film certificates of approval and poster exhibitions must now be submitted directly to a licensing officer, accompanied by the entire film or descriptions of the materials.
Penalties
- The Bill maintains existing offenses and penalties under Cap. 222 for exhibiting unapproved films, displaying unapproved posters, or violating age restrictions, but transfers the administrative and enforcement authority from the Board to the designated licensing officers.
Transitional Provisions
- Licences and Permits: Any valid licence, certificate, or approval issued by the Board prior to the commencement of the Act remains active and is deemed to have been granted by the Cabinet Secretary.
- Assets and Liabilities: All assets, liabilities, rights, and obligations of the Board will be transferred to the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and the relevant Ministry.
- Legal Proceedings: Ongoing court cases or legal actions involving the Board will continue with the Cabinet Secretary substituted as a party in place of the Board.
- Staffing: Any person employed by the Board immediately before the Act takes effect will be redeployed within the public service.
Gazettement
The Bill was published in the Kenya Gazette No. 136 on 5th June 2026.
First Reading
The Bill, sponsored by the Leader of the Majority Party, was read a First Time in the National Assembly.
First Reading
The Bill, sponsored by the Leader of the Majority Party, was read a First Time in the National Assembly.