Get a film distribution licence (movie shop, video library, online film seller)
Kenya Film Classification Board · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Register your business, then apply to KFCB on its online system (tms.kfcb.go.ke) and pay the annual fee: KSh 5,000 for a movie shop, video library, video shop, hawker or video game shop, or KSh 3,000 for an online film distributor. Anyone who sells or hires out films in Kenya needs this certificate.
- Fee
- KSh 5,000Movie shop, video library, video shop, hawker or video game shop (per year)KSh 3,000Online film distributor (per year)
- How long
- Within one working day
- Where
- Online on KFCB's TMS (tms.kfcb.go.ke), or at a KFCB office (Nairobi HQ at Uchumi House, plus regional offices)
What you need
- A filled application form
- Your Certificate of Business Registration or Incorporation
Steps
- Register your business first (business name or company), so you have the registration certificate.
- Apply for a film distribution licence on KFCB's online system (tms.kfcb.go.ke), or visit a KFCB office.
- Pay the annual fee for your category and get your distribution certificate.
Watch out
- The fee is annual, so the licence has to be renewed every year.
- The films you sell or hire out must also be classified (approved) by KFCB.
- For shops, the KSh 5,000 fee includes KFCB film stickers.
Who can apply
- Anyone who sells or hires out films: movie shops, video libraries, video shops, hawkers, video game shops and online film sellers.
Official sources (5)
- Licensing Film Distributors and Exhibitors kfcb.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- KFCB Citizens' Service Charter (English & Swahili), reviewed 2026 kfcb.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Classifying Film and Broadcast Content kfcb.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) kfcb.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- KFCB Technical Management System (TMS) tms.kfcb.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026