KFCB refutes claims on paying for posting video content on social media

Kenya Film Classification Board chairman Ezekiel Mutua has refuted claims that the board plans to charge content creators for filming and posting Videos on social media pages. Speaking to BBC's Ferdinand Omondi, Ezekiel Mutua claimed that people had taken their regulations out of context 

The CEO Dr. @EzekielMutua in an interview with BBC's @FerdyOmondi on issues film and the accompanying licensing.@CSRashidEchesa, @JosephtaMukobe, @moscakenya, @BBCWorld, @NellyMuluka, @KibetBenard_, @Khagali_M, @kasukubg pic.twitter.com/Wubzl2rs7V

— KFCB (@InfoKfcb) May 22, 2018

Just spoke to @EzekielMutua . He says you DO NOT need a license to post private social media videos, eg you tube or Facebook. But adds @InfoKfcb will monitor the content for violations like porn, terror or children. pic.twitter.com/w4JzwgZhXD

— FERDINAND OMONDI (@FerdyOmondi) May 22, 2018

Social media was abuzz after some social media users posted info on the new regulations which are seen as detrimental to the growth of content creators and new talent.

A twitter user Tara Kay did a thread on the breakdown on the payments that needed to be made by the content creators

THREAD

Here's a BREAKDOWN OF KFCB YouTube Fees.
Vloggers/Kenyan YouTubers are expected to..

1. Pay an Annual Fee of 12,000 kshs for Registering and licensing film agents, local and international filmmakers.
2. Pay 5,000 kshs License Every week you Upload a Video on Youtube.

— Tara Kay (@kaykanyi) May 22, 2018

Xtian Dela also weighed in on the issue

THIS IS NOT FAKE NEWS!!

I Visited the KFCB offices today, Uchumi House 14th Floor. I can CONFIRM that it is a MUST for you to get a Licence to post Videos on Social Media!! YouTubers, Viners or even if you attend an event and record on your phone, you MUST be licensed to post it

— Thee Trend Setter ™ (@xtiandela) May 22, 2018

KFCB through their twitter handle also made effort to make some clarification on the issue that was sending social media users wild

KFCB does not charge for YouTube at all or social media. The only area.where the Board deals with social media is about content monitoring and when there is gross content that exposes children to harmful content ,

— KFCB (@InfoKfcb) May 22, 2018

Government officials and politicians also weighed in on the matter

I’ve just spoken to @EzekielMutua on this and he has asserted that @InfoKfcb are not charging for Youtube and Facebook filming. I have summoned them to the Senate next week together with other stakeholders so that we can agree on how to support the Creative Industry.

— Sakaja Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) May 22, 2018

KFCB does not charge for YouTube at all or social media. The only area.where the Board deals with social media is about content monitoring and when there is gross content that exposes children to harmful content ,

— KFCB (@InfoKfcb) May 22, 2018

KFCB through their twitter handle had earlier made communication on the charges content creators will have to pay to undertake their work

Filming in Kenya?
1. Work under (register as) a filming agent--K.shs12,000pa
2. License for a documentary, short drama/feature/stills--K.Shs5,000
3. License for full length feature film (>40minutes)--K.Shs15,000
4. Per day filming fees--K.Shs1,000
Dr. @EzekielMutua, @moscakenya pic.twitter.com/4fltFDsa0F

— KFCB (@InfoKfcb) May 22, 2018

This is how twitter users reacted to the issue

I think that we have so many parastatals, boards, commissions etc that are not adding any value apart from drawing salaries. The KFCB for example can be disbanded and their roles taken up by relevant government department. How has Ezekiel Mutua helped this country?

— Mwalimu Dida (@mwalimu_dida) May 22, 2018

Join me in supporting this important cause at iPetitions. Disband KFCB and repeal Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya https://t.co/PiwETTqf2M

— WANGECHI (@wangechikenya) May 22, 2018

KFCB under Ezekiel Mutua is no longer about film classification. It is now Kenyans' Feelings Control Board.

— Wambui (@Waambui) May 15, 2018

It is absurd and funny that as a Nation we cannot afford jobs for over 45% of the young people and when young people try getting innovative so that they Atleast can earn a living KFCB now want to stop them by introducing crazy taxes? this is simply Thurgery

— Shikoh Kihika. (@Shikohkihika) May 22, 2018

YouTube has its own user policy and now a person who was raised in Kathonzweni in Ukambani with no relations with YouTube founders wants us to pay license so as to use free platforms. Ezekiel Mutua's KFCB is a problem in Kenya.

— Kech 🇰🇪 (@RonohKechem) May 22, 2018

Ezekiel Mutua & KFCB taking us back to the colonial days when you had to pay for everything pic.twitter.com/fD377reQJI

— MIKE MARSHALL PRINCE (@MikeMarshallKE) May 22, 2018