President William Ruto has directed the Copyright Board to take charge of collecting royalties for artistes to ensure they receive their rightful payments.

Speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi County on Thursday, December 12, 2024, Ruto said that despite bringing life to society, musicians have long been denied their rightful earnings noting that those tasked with collecting their royalties pocket millions monthly while an artiste earn as little as Ksh10,000 a year.

In addition, Ruto disclosed that musicians, who are the heartbeat of our culture, work hard yet their achievements are overshadowed by unfairness, adding that the injustice must come to an end.

To end the injustice faced by musicians when it comes to royalties, the president urged the Kenya Copyright Board, industry players and e-citizens to establish a transparent system for royalty collection and distribution to rightful owners and beneficiaries.

“I salute the actors in our creative space whose work is to bring life to our cities, streets and screens yet their achievements are overshadowed by injustice, musicians who are the heartbeat and soul of our culture have long been denied their rightful earning it is unacceptable that an artiste earn as little as Ksh 10,000 a year while those tasked with collecting their royalties pocket millions monthly. This injustice must end.

“The Kenya Copyright Board, in conjunction with industry players and e-citizens, must establish a transparent, real-time system for royalty collection and distribution to rightful owners and beneficiaries,” Ruto said.

Ruto on creative conference

He further disclosed Kenya is bidding to host the 2026 World Creative Economy Conference which aims at showcasing and celebrating the country’s culture and talents.

“Kenya is also preparing for global leadership by bidding to host the 2026 World Creative Economy conference signalling our commitment to celebrate our talent and to showcase our vibrant culture to the world,”

“Hosting this conference will be a bold declaration of Kenya’s leadership in the creative economy.”Ruto disclosed.

President Ruto: Musicians have long been denied their rightful earnings. It is unacceptable that an artist earns as little as Ksh.10,000 a year while those tasked with collecting their royalties pocket millions monthly. This injustice must end.#JamhuriDay2024 pic.twitter.com/SEvimIORPK

— K24 TV (@K24Tv) December 12, 2024

Mohamed Ali on artistes payment

Nyali Member of Parliament (MP) Mohamed Ali called on organisers of the 2024 Jamhuri Day celebrations to honour and pay well artistes who performed during the fete.

“Congrats to the organizers of today’s Jamhuri Day event. To the promoters buy kenya jenga kenya music. Free our local musicians, pay them well. Leo hao wasanii walipwe vizuri. Salute!” Ali stated.