Kenyan court lifts ban on LGBTQ film

The Kenyan Court of Appeals overturned a ban on the film “Rafiki” on January 23, 2026, after an eight-year legal campaign. The film, directed by Wanuri Kahiu, had been banned in 2018 by the Kenya Film Classification Board, which claimed it promoted illegal same-sex intimacy.

About “Rafiki”

“Rafiki” is a love story set in urban Kenya, following two teenage girls whose friendship develops into first love. The film was celebrated by critics and at festivals upon its 2018 release, but was banned in Kenya due to the country’s laws criminalizing homosexuality. The Court of Appeals ruled that depicting a same-sex relationship does not constitute promoting illegal conduct, overturning the 2018 ban. This allows the filmmakers to submit the film for classification and potential public screenings.

The Significance of the Ruling

The court’s decision marks more than just the potential return of a single film. It signals a shift in how African film might navigate censorship, particularly concerning depictions of sex, gender, and morality. The ruling disrupts long-standing assumptions about what African films can show and who they can center. While Kenya has not decriminalized same-sex relations, the decision is significant as it represents the first time a previously prohibited queer-themed film has the potential for public circulation.

Censorship and Representation in African Film

African film industries have historically faced various forms of regulation, including moral, religious, and political oversight. Films tackling same-sex desire have often been banned or restricted. The initial banning of “Rafiki” followed this pattern, despite its selection for the Cannes Film Festival. The current ruling challenges this asymmetry, acknowledging the growing visibility and value of African queer films in international circuits.

Audience and Publics

The unbanning of “Rafiki” has implications for audience engagement. Historically, queer African films have been primarily addressed to foreign audiences, rather than local publics. Allowing the film to screen in Kenya could create a space for Kenyan audiences to encounter queer narratives and challenge assumptions about their conservatism. The rise of streaming platforms and digital technologies has also contributed to shifting film consumption patterns, allowing viewers to access and share films even when they are banned from cinemas.

Future for African Filmmakers

The ruling offers a measure of protection to filmmakers willing to take risks and explore diverse narratives. It suggests that queer storytelling is increasingly compatible with national cinema, potentially encouraging a new generation of African filmmakers to pursue previously restricted themes. However, caution remains necessary, as classification boards still retain broad powers and political backlash is possible.