This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
On August 24, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to launch an investigation into the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).
The President expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of MCSK, citing the payment of Sh. 2,500 as royalties to artists, which he deemed unacceptable.
He questioned how MCSK could collect Sh. 230 million and then claim that over 60 per cent of the money was used in the collection process.
"I have ordered the DCI to investigate MCSK to establish whether some people are taking other people's dues," the President said.
He emphasized that those found guilty of embezzling musicians' money would be required to return it.
The President also announced that MCSK's offices would be relocated from the Attorney General's office to the Department of Information, Communication and Technology.
He stated that the ICT department would be able to track music usage and ensure that artists are paid for their work.
The President further directed the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology to ensure that broadcasters and telecom companies pay artists for their content before renewing their licenses.
Companies that fail to pay up would be shut down, as they were using musicians' work to attract advertisers.
President Kenyatta praised De Mathew for his passion in fighting for musicians' rights and his constant calls for assistance.
He vowed to ensure that anyone who takes money that does not belong to them would be held accountable.
The President also pledged to revive a recording studio in Gatanga, which was started by former MP Peter Kenneth but was later vandalized.
He promised to equip the studio with Sh. 10 million worth of equipment through the Mashinani programme.
A feeder road leading to De Mathew's home would be upgraded and named after the musician.
