President William Ruto directed the National Assembly, through the Majority Leader, to fast-track the Creative Economy Bill 2026 alongside critical copyright reforms. The directive came after a State House meeting with Gengetone and Urbantone artistes who shared deeply troubling experiences — over 700 songs, including Exray's 2022 hit 'Sipangwingwi', were lost to questionable contracts with foreign entities.
Key legislative provisions: • Kenya Audio-Visual & Cinema Commission • Audio-Visual Regulatory Authority • Kenya School of Film & Creative Arts • Creative Industry Development Fund • Stated goal: make Nairobi the sub-Saharan capital of film & content
Immediate executive actions: • Legal support facilitated for affected artistes to reclaim IP in court • Digital royalty portal launched on e-Citizen for transparent collection & distribution • PSC approved new staffing framework under State Department of Creative Economy — artists & content creators to be recruited into public service • Kenya Film Commission directed to introduce student film categories at Kalasha Awards • Ministry of ICT to allocate at least 30% of government advertising to local artists and creators • 'Soma Play' platform unveiled on eCitizen for monetisation of children's drama/plays content
Context & concerns: Daily Nation flags hidden costs and content take-down powers in the draft — read the fine print. Stakeholders warn that increased regulation may introduce bureaucratic hurdles that could stifle creativity. The success of the initiative depends on balancing structure with artistic freedom.
Sources: • Nation Africa: https://nation.africa/kenya/news/hidden-costs-and-content-take-down-powers-in-proposed-creative-economy-law-5419926 • KBC: https://www.kbc.co.ke/president-ruto-puts-creative-economy-bill-on-fast-track-after-meeting-artistes/ • Nairobi Wire: https://nairobiwire.com/2026/04/ruto-protects-kenyan-musicians-music-rights-700-songs.html • Vantage Ke: https://viraltea.co.ke/ruto-announces-plan-to-hire-artists-content-creators-into-civil-service
Source: nation.africa