Kenyan Musicians To Earn Up To KSh 200 Million Monthly

Kenyan Musicians will now get a better reward for their hard work as they will start earning up to 200 million shillings in royalties per month.

Addressing the nation on Monday, April 6, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta said the payments will begin this week in line with the pledge he made in January.

President Uhuru said the move will help cushion the artists during the covid -19 pandemic and also help them feel appreciated for their hard work.

“As the beginning of many firsts, our agenda to empower our youth and foster sustainable livelihoods is gaining momentum.  Today, our local Artists have begun drawing higher royalties,” the president announced.

The president said that the decision was reached after consultations with the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, Kenya Copyright Board and Collective Management Organizations (CMOS).

In 2019, some artists had complained about getting low royalties despite the authorities collecting more revenue from the public.

The artists complained that the MCSK was not transparent and was paying them little money after taking a large share.

The highest earner said he only received 2,500 shillings after six months with some earning as low as 300 shillings.

However, the president has assured the artists will earn their dues which will be paid in due time.

“My Administration has projected that a total of 200 million shillings every month will be paid to musicians through the system and other platforms.  This translates to over Ksh. 2 billion going into the pockets of Kenyan artists.”

The President further directed the Ministry of Sports, Culture, & Heritage to avail additional support of 100 Million shillings from the Sports Fund to artists, actors, and musicians, during the period of the covid-19 pandemic.

So far, Kenya has 158 covid 19 cases with six deaths. Four people have also recovered.