The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) and National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) say affected companies were last Friday issued with a warning of the consequences that will follow/FILE
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) and National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) say affected companies were last Friday issued with a warning of the consequences that will follow.
“If it takes picketing outside your media house, we will do so. If it takes pulling down billboards, we will do so, and this will take place after the notice that we have given,” KFCB Chief Executive Officer Ezekiel Mutua warned.
According to Mutua, some of the companies that received warning letters had already responded and some of them had promised to comply with the regulations intended to fight abuse of alcohol and promotion of illicit sex.
With concerns that there is a high prevalence of questionable content that is classified as a threat to the values and morals of the Kenyan society, Mutua said KFCB had partnered with NACADA and other organisations such as religious groups to jointly restore sanity in media content especially during the watershed period.
He said content promoting use of condoms and alcohol is not allowed to run between 5am and 10pm.
“All broadcasting stations should be aware that any content that justifies, promotes, encourages or glamorises abuse or misuse of drug-related products, attempts to associate drugs, alcohol and other illegal substances with sexual prowess should be by all means avoided,” he explained.
KFCB Chairman Jackson Kosgey reminded advertisers and their distributors to also pay attention to include warning signs of the dangers that users expose themselves to when they use cigarettes and alcohol.
He further urged players in the advertisement industry to respect family values which stand to defend and shield young people from negative influence.
NACADA Chairman John Mututho warned that those who continue to violate the regulations on the use of alcohol will be prosecuted and heavily fined.
He further warned bar owners and attendants not to allow children and youth below 18 years to take alcohol.
He said NACADA was pushing for action against two bars in which children were found drunk and engaging in immoral behaviour.
In section 12 (2) distribution, exhibition or broadcast of any film (which include advertisements) not examined and issued with a certificate of approval is prohibited.
The major concern has been that, most public advertisements have not been approved by KFCB.
