KFCB & State Department for Children Services to Strengthen Collaboration on Child Protection
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) and the State Department for Children Services have pledged to join forces to enhance children’s safety and welfare, with renewed focus on child online protection in the digital age and the promotion of family values through the rollout of a campaign dubbed #LindaToto.
At a meeting between the KFCB and the State Department for Children Services, hosted by Principal Secretary CPA Carren Ageng’o, it was noted that the proposed campaign will be rolled out across all 47 counties, with the aim of promoting child online safety and family values in line with the Children’s Act, the National Policy on Family Promotion and Protection, and Article 45 (Family) of the Constitution, among other laws.
The PS observed that digital safety remains a major concern for children due to the increasing availability and use of the internet, which has no boundaries.
She emphasised that strengthened public awareness campaigns on children’s rights and welfare, enhanced coordination on child online safety, promotion of family values, and the development of protective frameworks to reduce exposure to inappropriate audio-visual content will help safeguard the interests of children and families.
“There is an urgent need for a multi-agency approach to child online protection in Kenya. The State Department for Children Services is ready to work with the KFCB and other stakeholders to protect children from online risks and harm as well as to champion family values, which is critical in promoting national values,” she said.
On her part, KFCB Acting CEO Ms. Nelly Muluka welcomed the collaboration, reaffirming the Board’s commitment to child online protection and the promotion of national values through regulation of audio-visual content as provided for under the Films and Stage Plays Act, Cap. 222.
“Children are at the core of our mandate at KFCB. Through regulation of audio-visual content at the creation, possession, broadcasting, distribution, and exhibition levels, we protect minors and vulnerable groups from exposure to inappropriate material while promoting Kenya’s national values and aspirations,” she said.
The CEO also highlighted the Parents Digital Literacy Programme (PADiL), which seeks to empower and sensitize parents, caregivers, and guardians on child protection in the digital age. She reiterated that the programme is implemented through a partnership between the Government and private sector stakeholders, including Netflix, TikTok, Meta, Google, Mtoto News, Watoto Watch Network, and Eveminet Communications Solutions Limited, among others.
KFCB is a State Agency under the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy.
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