Ruto's directive on fair royalty system gets mixed reactions

National
By Manuel Ntoyai | Dec 13, 2024
Musician Esther Wahome performing during Jamuhuri Day Celebrations on December 12, 2024 at Uhuru Gardens. [Kanyiri Wahito Standard]

The creative industry remains lukewarm to a directive by President Ruto to help streamline matters royalties.

During his Jamhuri Day speech, President Ruto directed the Kenya Copyright Board (Kecobo) and other stakeholders, including e-Citizen to establish a better and working structure.

“It’s unacceptable that an artiste earns as little as Sh10,000 a year while those tasked with collecting their royalties pocket millions monthly.

“Kecobo, in conjunction with industry players and eCitizen, must establish a transparent, real-time system for royalty collection and distribution to rightful owners,” stated Ruto.

“It is my position and direction that 80 per cent of those resources should go to the artists,” Ruto directed.

Good intentions

Reacting to the news, Kamp Copyright & Related Rights Ltd Chair Angela Ndambuki cautioned that while the president may have good intentions, he has been misinformed.

“The solution is not for government to take over the collections. That would be a case of ‘from the frying pan into the fire,” she said.

Ndambuki accused the Kenya Copyright Board of being the biggest cause of confusion in the management space, pointing out that Kecobo had licensed PAVRISK “without requisite rights”.

Ndambuki says there is mistrust among its members when it comes to the regulatory body. 

“The president should start by overhauling the agency and placing individuals with rights holders interest at heart,” she said.

Meanwhile, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja at the event, promised to rename one of the roads in Nairobi’s South C estate in honour of the late singer E-Sir. “We shall be honouring our artistes by renaming some of our roads after them.

Share this story
How Kenyan stars will prepare for World Championships in Tokyo
In between their training, Kenyan track and field stars will be testing their speed and endurance in the remaining four Diamond League meets, including the final in Zurich
Kitondo School set sights on rugby 7s national glory
Eastern Region boys’ rugby 7s champions Kitondo School are gearing up for yet another fierce battle in a quest to bag their maiden national gong. KSSSA Term Two Sames
It's time for newcomers Agai Mixed Secondary ready to shine in Kakamega
Agai Mixed Secondary School from Kisumu County are ready to write a new chapter in their history when they make their debut in the KSSSA Term Two national football games.
Mvurya says stadia projects prioritise requirements for hosting CHAN, AFCON
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has said that stadia development categorises projects based on international standards, capacity, and the requirements for hosting various sports events.
US bans transgender women in events
American transgender women will no longer be able to compete in women's events at the Olympics and Paralympics after a recent policy change by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS