The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to growing the country’s film and television sectors during the official premiere of Mizani, the first Showmax original series produced in Mombasa.
The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and creatives from across the nation.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Daudi Anguka, the series features Stephanie Maseki, Kieth Chuaga, Jack Mutinda, and Denis Humphrey.
KFCB has classified Mizani with a 16+ rating, in line with the Films and Stage Plays Act, Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya.
Presiding over the premiere, Principal Secretary Fikiri Ni Jacobs of the State Department for Youth assured attendees of the Government’s commitment to growing the Orange Economy.
He highlighted ongoing efforts through policy formulation, empowerment initiatives, and other measures to support creative professionals.
The KFCB Ag. CEO, Nelly Muluka, through a speech read by ICT Manager Petronilla Mueni, lauded the creators of Mizani for their contribution to the local film industry.
“As a regulatory board, we commend AR Productions, the creators of Mizani, for their continued dedication to nurturing local talent, producing quality content, and complying with regulatory requirements,” she said.
Muluka emphasised that KFCB aims to go beyond regulation. “A thriving film and television industry requires a regulatory environment that is predictable, responsive, and supportive of innovation,” she added.
During her address, the Ag. CEO outlined KFCB’s interventions and support for the sector, including proposed regulatory reforms and initiatives such as Creatives in Arts and Film Literacy (CAFIL) and Parents Digital Literacy (PADIL).
She encouraged filmmakers to increase local content production, citing a ready and growing market for Kenyan stories.
Other speakers at the event, including policymakers and creatives, stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to further spur the growth of the country’s film and television industry.
They called for joint efforts between regulators, producers, and other industry players to ensure sustainable development and global competitiveness.
The premiere of Mizani marks a milestone for Mombasa’s creative scene. As the first Showmax original series produced in the coastal city, it underscores the growing potential of regional hubs in Kenya’s entertainment sector.
With a mix of local talent and professional production standards, the series is expected to set new benchmarks for quality content in the country.
KFCB’s support for the premiere comes amid broader efforts to promote Kenya’s Orange Economy, which encompasses film, music, fashion, digital media, and other creative industries.
Through strategic interventions, the Board seeks to position the country as a regional hub for entertainment production while providing a framework that protects audiences and encourages innovation.
By combining regulatory oversight with active support, KFCB aims to foster a sustainable creative ecosystem.
The premiere of Mizani reflects both the maturity of the Kenyan film industry and the opportunities that exist for local producers to reach wider audiences.
