Kakamega: President William Ruto has officially launched a Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) state-of-the-art cinema mobile truck that aims to promote local talent and provide platforms for youth to showcase their creative works. The mobile truck, introduced by the President at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega town, is a key component of the 'Sinema Mashinani' initiative. This initiative seeks to support the film industry, create job opportunities, and foster wealth creation in line with the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
According to Kenya News Agency, KFCB acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paskal Opiyo explained that the 'Sinema Mashinani' initiative focuses on identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level by supporting the creation, distribution, and exhibition of films whose themes promote Kenya's culture, moral values, and national aspirations. The CEO stated that KFCB, which is responsible for regulating the film industry in the country, intends to leverage the initiative to raise awareness and advocate for the consumption of clean content through theatre and film.
He added that the 'Sinema Mashinani' core objectives are to streamline film regulation across the country and to create sustainable opportunities for job and wealth creation within the creative industry. The mobile truck features a 53-square-metre LED screen, a generator, and a sound system, and is designed to be self-sufficient. It will ensure that only rated content is eligible for screening, expand access to local content, and help strengthen KFCB's regulatory oversight.
The launch coincided with the International Youth Day 2025 celebrations, themed 'Empowering Local Youth Action for Global Sustainable Development'. During the celebrations in Kakamega County, President Ruto addressed the issue of unemployment and lack of opportunities among young people. He stated that this problem is being addressed through the rollout of bold and strategic initiatives.
Additionally, President Ruto launched a job portal called 'Kuna Form', which aims to facilitate young people's access to business opportunities in government. The launch event was attended by Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), Salim Mvurya (Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports), Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, and Youth Affairs PS for State Department Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Jacob Fikirini, among other leaders.