Speaking on the matter, the Head of State revealed that a collective management organisation tasked with collecting royalties generated a total of Sh109 million, yet only distributed a mere Sh13 million to artists.
The staggering disparity, he noted, highlights deep-rooted inefficiencies and possible mismanagement within the sector.
Ruto expressed concern that musicians, actors, and other creatives who are the backbone of the industry are receiving only a fraction of the revenue generated from their own work.
He warned that such an imbalance not only discourages talent but also threatens the growth of Kenya’s creative economy.
“The numbers simply don’t add up,” Ruto said, pointing out that the system appears to benefit intermediaries far more than the actual creators.
He called for urgent reforms to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in how royalties are collected and distributed.
The President’s remarks shine a spotlight on long-standing complaints from Kenyan artists, many of whom have for years decried poor pay despite their work enjoying massive airplay and commercial success.
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Critics have often accused collective management organisations of lacking accountability and failing to prioritise artists’ welfare.
Ruto emphasized the need to overhaul the current framework governing royalty collection, suggesting that stronger regulations and better oversight mechanisms must be put in place.
He also hinted at the possibility of leveraging technology to track revenue streams more accurately and ensure artists are compensated fairly.
The issue of royalties has been a contentious one in Kenya’s entertainment industry, with repeated calls for reforms from stakeholders who argue that the current system is opaque and prone to abuses.
As pressure mounts, Ruto’s intervention could mark a turning point in the push for a more equitable system one where artists finally receive the full value of their creativity and hard work.
