Get a film exhibition licence (cinema, video show, gaming shop, digital billboard)
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 2,000 for a video show or video game show, KSh 10,000 per screen for a cinema or digital billboard, and KSh 10,000 for virtual reality. Anyone showing films to the public, free or paid, needs this certificate.
- Fee
- KSh 2,000Video show (per year)KSh 2,000Video game show / PlayStation (per year)KSh 10,000Cinema or outdoor digital billboard, per screen (per year)KSh 10,000Virtual reality (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 exhibition 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 exhibition certificate.
Watch out
- Cinemas and digital billboards pay per screen, so three screens means three times the fee.
- Matatus and other PSVs that show films to passengers also need a KFCB licence.
- Every film you show must also be classified (approved) by KFCB.
Who can apply
- Anyone who shows films to the public, whether they charge or not: cinemas, video shows, PlayStation/video game shops and outdoor digital billboards.
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