This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
On July 14, 2020, President Kenyatta's Sh100 million stimulus package for artistes was finally released, marking a significant milestone in the country's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The allocation, part of the government's stimulus package to support various groups affected by the pandemic, has been a long time coming for artistes who have been struggling to make ends meet due to the ban on public gatherings.
One of the criticisms of the allocation was that it would be a waste of money, but the Kenya Cultural Centre has already paid out Sh10,000 to 64 artistes from Nairobi, Rift Valley, western, and central Kenya regions.
The Ministry of Culture's decision to bypass content management organisations that have in the past swindled artistes is also a welcome move, as it ensures that the beneficiaries receive their fair share of the allocation.
While the Sh10,000 paid to each artiste may not be much, it is a good starting point for those who have been struggling to make a living in the entertainment industry.
As the country continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, the release of the stimulus package is a much-needed boost to the entertainment industry, which has been severely impacted by the ban on public gatherings.
