The long-running ban on the award-winning Kenyan film Rafiki has been lifted following a landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal, marking a significant moment for artistic freedom and film regulation in Kenya.
The Jan 23, 2026 decision effectively overturned the Kenya Film Classification Board’s (KFCB) 2018 move to ban the film from public screening, a ruling that had sparked national and international debate around freedom of expression, censorship, and LGBTQ+ representation in Kenyan art.
Rafiki tells the story of two young women who develop a romantic relationship against the backdrop of political rivalry between their fathers.
Upon its release, the film was praised globally for its vibrant storytelling, cinematography, and bold narrative, but it faced immediate resistance at home.
In April 2018, the KFCB banned Rafiki on the grounds that it “promoted lesbianism,” which it said was contrary to Kenyan law and moral values.
The decision prevented the film from being screened in local cinemas, despite its selection to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival — a first for a Kenyan feature film.
The ban was briefly lifted for seven days in September 2018 after a High Court ruling allowed the film to screen locally so it could qualify for Oscar consideration.
During that limited run, Rafiki sold out cinemas across Nairobi, highlighting strong public interest. However, the ban was reinstated soon after and later upheld by the High Court in 2020.
In its 2026 ruling, the Court of Appeal found that the KFCB’s blanket ban on Rafiki was unreasonable and disproportionate. The judges ruled that while the state has a role in regulating content, outright censorship violates constitutional protections on freedom of expression.
The court noted that films should be classified according to age and audience suitability rather than banned outright due to their themes.
It emphasised that portraying a same-sex relationship does not, in itself, amount to promoting illegal activity.
Rafiki was directed by Wanuri Kahiu, one of Kenya’s most prominent filmmakers, known for pushing boundaries in African storytelling. The film was co-written by Kahiu and South African writer Jenna Bass and is based on the short story Jambula Tree by Ugandan author Monica Arac de Nyeko.
Its cast includes Samantha Mugatsia and Sheila Munyiva in the lead roles, performances that earned praise from critics for their authenticity and emotional depth.
With the ban lifted, Rafiki can now be legally screened in Kenya, subject to appropriate age classification by the KFCB.
While no immediate nationwide cinema run has been announced, the ruling allows distributors and exhibitors to explore screenings without fear of legal repercussions.
The decision may also influence how other previously restricted works are reviewed, prompting calls for reforms within Kenya’s film classification framework.