NAIROBI, Kenya, May 27 – Creatives, including artists and comedians using various social media platforms, are set to benefit from the Creative Economy Support Bill 2023, which offers support for people in the creative industry.
The Bill proposed by Migori Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch seeks to establish a creative fund to enhance industry’s contributions to the nation’s economy.
According to the senator, the creative economy leverages human creativity, innovation, and ideas to promote economic development.
“Citizens working in the creative industry contribute to the gross domestic product by creating employment opportunities, paying taxes as a result of the activities they are involved in. This Bill recognizes this and proposes to make systemic interventions to ensure adequate support to persons in the creative industry,” stated Senator Oketch.
The fund shall consist of monies that may be appropriated to the fund by Parliament and grants, donations, or other gifts made to the fund.
“The Board shall issue out of the Fund monies in form of grants to persons in the creative industry in accordance with a criteria determined by the Cabinet Secretary by Regulations based on eligibility criteria for a grant from the Fund.”
It also aims to establish a creative industry guild that will advise the government on the review and formulation of policies and legislation relating to the creative industry.
The Guild shall also facilitate creative artists applications for grant registration.
“The Guild shall conduct labour market surveys and mapping exercises of persons involved in the creative industry and put in place the most appropriate strategies that facilitate the development of the creative industry,” he added.
The Guild will work closely with the relevant institutions to facilitate the protection of the intellectual property rights of creative artists through sensitization and awareness programs, as well as the registration of works produced by creative artists.
“The Guild shall collaborate with the relevant entities to ensure the transparent distribution of royalties collected on behalf of creative artists and creative arts operators.”
The Bill also proposes that membership in the Guild shall be on a voluntary basis, where people who wish to join the Guild shall submit an application letter in the prescribed form to the Board, which shall consider the application within fourteen days and thereafter approve or reject it based on the qualifications.
