In a decisive policy shift, the government will now channel royalty payments through the e-Citizen platform in a bid to enhance transparency, accountability and fair compensation for creatives.
Speaking on the initiative, Ruto said the current system has long disadvantaged musicians, with a handful of intermediaries controlling revenue flows while artistes receive only a fraction of what they earn.
He noted that digitising the process through e-Citizen will eliminate middlemen and ensure that payments go directly to content creators.
The move comes amid growing outrage within the creative sector over mismanagement of royalties by collective management organisations (CMOs).
Many artistes have accused these bodies of lack of transparency, delayed payments, and outright exploitation.
Recent revelations showing massive collections with minimal payouts have only intensified calls for reform.
Under the new system, artistes will register their works on e-Citizen, allowing for real-time tracking of usage and revenue.
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The platform will integrate data from broadcasters, streaming services, and event organisers, creating a centralized system that ensures accurate royalty computation and timely disbursement.
Ruto emphasised that the reform is part of a broader government agenda to empower the creative economy, which he described as a key pillar of youth employment and national growth.
“Our artistes deserve dignity and fair pay for their talent. We must end the era where others benefit disproportionately from their hard work,” he said.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the proposal with cautious optimism. While many agree that digitisation could bring much-needed transparency, some have raised concerns about implementation, data integrity and whether all players will comply with the new system.
Experts argue that for the reforms to succeed, the government must also strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure that all revenue-generating entities fully disclose their earnings.
Additionally, capacity building for artistes will be critical to help them navigate the new digital system effectively.
If successfully implemented, the e-Citizen integration could mark a turning point for Kenya’s music industry restoring trust, boosting earnings for artistes and positioning the country as a regional leader in creative sector reforms.
