Why Matatus Fitted With LCD Screens Will Be Required To Register With KFCB
The Kenya Films Classification Board (KFCB) has issued a 7-day notice to all matatu operators in the North Rift region which have LCD screens to register with them.
KHISA CJ
KFCB North Rift regional manager Emanuel Mbutu also wants the matatus with LCD screens to stop playing content that borders on pornography and foul language to the passengers.
In a media briefing at the Eldoret Media hub, Ombutu said the new directive follows complaints from members of the public that some matatus were playing content not suitable for general exhibition.
“All matatus fitted with LCD screens for the passengers to watch are considered film exhibitors and are hence required to register with the board for a fee of Ksh2,000 annually,” said the KFCB North Rift regional board.
“The operators must also ensure the content they play is suitable for general exhibition and not nudity since they also carry children as part of the passengers,” he added.
Mbutu noted that on the expiry of the notice, they will mount a region-wide crackdown targeting operators that will not have complied with the requirement to register with KFCB or will be found screening content that borders on pornography and foul language.
He said those liable for not following the new directives include conductors, drivers, and matatu Sacco managers.
“Such individuals risk a jail term not exceeding 5 years or a fine of up to Ksh100,000 or both. We want to create awareness on clean content and protect children from exposure to harmful content – we're not targeting any matatu Sacco,” noted Mbutu.
The KFCB boss also named matatu Saccos plying Langas, Chepkoilel, Miti Moja, and Maili routes within Eldoret town as notorious for screening inappropriate content.
He asked members of the public to report to the board any incidences of matatus engaging in the screening of content that exposes members of the public to nudity or foul language.
