President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday directed changes to revenue collection structures for artists' content on digital platforms such as Viusasa and Skiza.
While addressing the country at Statehouse in Mombasa, the president directed the said changes that will see content service providers no longer collecting revenue for Kenyan artists.
He proposed that all right holders to be registered to receive royalties under the Kenya Copyright Board (KCB) which would act as a central account for the artists and provide ease for proper accountability and auditing.
He said this as a way to help save Kenyan talents that have struggled for a while now over minimal payments and royalties.
He admitted that the creatives in Kenya are very talented but their talents do not pay off despite their investment. He directed the ICT to tackle the legacy and right issues.
"Content Service Providers who work with digital platforms such as SKIZA and Viusasa will be eliminated. And this is because they sit outside the Collection Management Organisations. My practical direction on this is to have all rights holders register on the National Rights Registry," he said.
He also directed the Ministry of Interior to ensure that Public Service Vehicles (PSV), broadcasters and hotels pay their tariffs and licences on time.
"Therefore in this regard, I direct the Ministry of ICT, in consultation with the AG to ensure that this new tariff structure is gazetted within the next 30 days," he said.
In his speech, he addressed many issues that face the country. He also fired CS Mwangi Kiunjuri of Agriculture.
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Skiza and Viusasa had been banned. It has been corrected. We regret the error.