presidential directive to cushion the creative industries – the facts

Contrary to the (mis) information that has been in circulation that the funds were extrapolated from the National Coronavirus relief fund, it is important to note that the funds have been drawn from the annual Social Cultural Fund budget allocation under the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage. The Sports Arts, Culture and Social Development was set with money collected from 20% betting tax . Are we together? Thanks.

So when things got thick, members of the creative economy pleaded with government to consider utilising the facility to cushion them during at their time of need. Simply put, I would imagine if this was mwas wa oyole taking to the president, he would go like “Prezo niaje? Si kuna kale kamzigo ketu kako hapo kwa hio fund. Tunaeza katumia saa hi venye ni kubaya?” I think prezo said “Good idea!”

The money from the fund is distributed under three categories namely Social Development 60%, Promotion and Development of Sports 35% and Promotion and Development of Arts 5%. The fund has also been disbursing money into the Universal Healthcare Plan as support to the government in achieving the Big Four Agenda. Tuko pamoa? Very good. Thank you for following.

It is worth noting that the creative industry suffers from many decades of exploitation and as such, apathy has grown around the idea that things never change. In the recent past, various presidential directives have been made to rectify past mistakes and also spur some growth in the creative economy. The 2020 decade begins on a better footing for the Kenyan creative entrepreneur, and though the changes might be slow, they have been gradual and intended for the greater good of the creative industries.

This is further affirmed by a statement from the industry players which reads in part “As we finalize on the mechanism through which these funds will be disbursed in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Culture & Heritage, we encourage Kenyans and other sectors to be cognizant of the efforts made by Creatives in this country in not only using our Art & vast skills in efforts to educate the general public on the perils of the Coronavirus but in also keeping anxiety levels low for those unable to go about their normal daily activities”

Indeed, the Creative Economic Council, a forum that brings together representatives from of all creative sub sectors nationally, is at the fore of championing for the establishment of a transparent framework that will result in an increment in the frequency and amount of the payment of royalties. This is the time for musicians to get deeply engaged with demanding for integrity within the procurement of a digital system that enhance transparency in collection and distribution of royalties. As at the time of publishing this, the public announcement on who won that tender had not been made, and this gives a starting point for lobby and advocacy.

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