This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
On July 14, 2020, President Kenyatta's stimulus package for artistes was finally released, bringing relief to the entertainment industry that had been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Sh100 million allocation, part of the government's stimulus package to support various groups affected by the pandemic, was specifically designed to support artistes who had been struggling to make ends meet due to the strict safety guidelines and ban on public gatherings.
One of the criticisms of the allocation was that it would be a waste of money, but nothing could be further from the truth. Artistes play a vital role in society by informing, educating, and inspiring people to tackle their challenges, and art is not a waste of time, but rather an avenue through which popular culture is sustained and enriched.
Under the Work for Pay program, artistes submitted their work and were paid Sh10,000 each. The Kenya Cultural Centre has already paid 64 artistes from Nairobi, Rift Valley, western, and central Kenya regions, providing a much-needed injection of funds into the industry.
It's also worth noting that the Ministry of Culture bypassed content management organisations that have in the past swindled artistes, ensuring that the funds reached the intended beneficiaries. The beneficiaries are encouraged to use this seed money to generate more income instead of splashing it on fun.
