This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
On August 24, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta questioned the integrity of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) and the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) following complaints from Kenyan artistes over their measly earnings.
Speaking during the funeral ceremony of benga icon John De'Mathew, Uhuru revealed that he had ordered the relevant bodies to launch a probe into the matter and prosecute suspects.
Uhuru directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate MCSK to establish how much each musician makes against what they are actually paid in terms of royalties.
While acknowledging the music bodies may be facing serious financial challenges, Uhuru asked ICT Joe Mucheru not to renew licenses of broadcasters and telecommunication companies until they pay royalties due to musicians.
Consequently, KECOBO will be moved from the department of justice under the office of Attorney General Kihara Kariuki to the ICT Ministry.
On Tuesday, August 13, the MCSK sent KSh 2530 to the Kenyan artistes as royalties for their songs, prompting majority of the recipients to express their outrage over what they termed as peanuts.
