President William Samoei Ruto has ordered the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) to institute measures that will correct the mess that is infringing on artistes to earn from the sweat of their brow.
Speaking at the Uhuru Gardens while addressing Kenyans on Jamhuri Day, President Ruto called out the formula used by Content Management Organizations where artistes are paid peanuts as managers run away with millions of royalties collected from their work of art.
“It is unacceptable that an artist earns as little as Sh 10,000 a year while those tasked with collecting their royalties pocket millions monthly. This injustice must end,” said a furious President.
He directed that the KECOBO in conjunction with industry players and E-Citizen, must establish a transparent, real-time system for royalty collection and distribution to rightful owners and beneficiaries.
The President saluted actors in the creative spaces whose work brings life to our cities, streets and screens, yet their achievements are overshadowed by injustice.
At the same time President Ruto announced that Kenya was preparing for global leadership by bidding to host the 2026 World Creative Economy Conference.
He noted that this signals the country’s commitment to celebrate her talent and showcase her vibrant culture to the World.
“Hosting this conference will be a bold declaration of Kenya’s leadership in the creative economy,” he said.
Over the years artistes have complained about the royalties paid by such CMOs as Music Copyright Society of Kenya with calls to have a single CMO instead of the current three that consume nearly all royalty in unnecessary and wasteful bureaucracy.
