Freedom of Expression

The Freedom of Expression initiative was led by the Creative Economy Working Group in partnership with Docubox to raise awareness about the importance of artistic and creative freedom within Kenya’s creative industries.
The campaign engaged artists, filmmakers, and the wider public in conversations around constitutional rights, freedom of speech, and laws that restrict creative expression—particularly in the film, visual, and performing arts sectors. A central focus of the initiative was advocating for the review and repeal of restrictive provisions in the Films and Stage Plays Act and the Kenya Film Classification Board Classification Guidelines of 2012, which include colonial-era regulations that continue to affect creative work.
Through advocacy, public engagement, and policy discussions—including case studies such as *Rafiki* by Wanuri Kahiu—the initiative highlighted the challenges artists face in exercising their right to free expression.
The program contributed to ongoing efforts to strengthen creative freedom, support policy reform, and encourage open dialogue within Kenya’s creative economy.