Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Culture, The Arts, and Heritage, Aisha Jumwa, convened a meeting today with Joshua Kutuny, Chairman of the Kenya Copyright Board, and Edward Sigei, the Executive Director.
The discussions delved into crucial aspects of the industry, focusing on the performance of licensed Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), the payment of royalties through the e-citizen platform, and the potential establishment of a Government of Kenya (GOK) collective management organization.
One of the central points of their dialogue was the proposed shift towards directing all payments through the e-citizen platform, aligning with a directive from the President. This encompasses the exploration of collecting royalties through the e-citizen platform, a proposal actively under consideration.
The participants also engaged in deliberations concerning the Draft Copyright Bill, currently awaiting a Cabinet decision. Emphasizing the need for inclusivity, the officials underscored the importance of involving all stakeholders in discussions to enhance the industry’s overall framework.
Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa stressed the critical issue of accountability within the sector, particularly regarding royalties that serve as a vital income source for thousands of artists across the country. In this context, she urged investigative agencies to expedite their inquiries into the alleged mismanagement of funds at the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).
The meeting reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the creative arts industry’s regulatory framework and financial transparency. As discussions progress and potential reforms take shape, the collaboration between the Ministry of Gender, Culture, The Arts, and Heritage and the Kenya Copyright Board stands as a pivotal step towards fostering a thriving and accountable creative sector in Kenya.