NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 12 – Kenya could recover up to Sh92 billion annually for its creative economy if digital piracy is effectively addressed, according to industry leaders and regulators.
They say the country is also losing about Sh17 billion in tax revenue each year due to the widespread illegal distribution of digital content.
Speaking during the National Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Digital Piracy, Information, Communication and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said piracy has become a major economic threat that undermines jobs, investor confidence and the sustainability of Kenya’s creative sector.
Kabogo noted that protecting intellectual property is critical for the country’s ambition to build a competitive digital economy.
Industry players warned that the continued circulation of pirated content is hurting artists and other professionals across the creative value chain.
Mike Strano, Chair of the Partners Against Piracy Association of Kenya, said the industry is losing billions of shillings annually due to illegal distribution of music, films and television content.
He noted that the losses mean very few artists are able to earn a sustainable income from their work.
Kenya Copyright Board Acting Executive Director George Nyakweba said the government is proposing reforms under a new draft copyright bill to strengthen enforcement against piracy.
The proposed law would give the board powers to impose fines, order rapid removal of pirated material and work with internet service providers to enforce compliance.
Digital piracy in Kenya is most common in music, films and television content, followed by books, software and social media material.
