Shortly after Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria announced the government’s intention to facilitate music royalties payments via eCitizen, his counterpart in the Gender, Arts, and Culture Ministry, Aisha Jumwa, responded, asserting that it falls under her ministry’s purview to make such announcements, not Kuria’s.
While acknowledging Kuria’s eagerness to express his views, Jumwa emphasized that ongoing discussions regarding the “streamlining of the industry” are still underway, and any official declaration will be made in due course.
“I appreciate the enthusiasm shown by my colleague and friend, @HonMoses_Kuria, and in the spirit of government unity, his perspective is duly noted. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of my ministry, through the State Department of Culture, Arts & Heritage, to oversee these matters,” Jumwa remarked.
“Once these discussions are finalized, the ministry will provide clarity on the subsequent steps. Thank you,” Jumwa added.
CS Kuria had earlier hinted at plans to amend the Copyright Act to establish a government-operated Collective Management Organization (CMO).
He also disclosed that the government is actively strategizing to facilitate the payment of all music copyrights and royalties through the eCitizen platform.
