Boost for content creators as Bill proposing funding heads to public review

A new bill aimed at funding and supporting content creators could significantly boost Kenya's creative industry, which many argue remains underdeveloped and full of untapped potential.

On Friday, the Senate's Office of the Clerk issued a public notice inviting submissions of views on the Creative Economy Support Bill.

The "Creative Economy Support Bill, 2024," sponsored by Senator Eddy Oketch, seeks to establish a comprehensive support mechanism for individuals and organisations within the creative industry.

Part of the Bill reads, "Establish mechanisms for the support of people in the creative industry; to enhance the contribution of the creative industry to the economy; to establish the Creatives Fund; and for connected purposes."

It also seeks to establish a Creatives Fund, which Parliament will allocate to provide financial support to individuals in the creative industry, based on criteria set by the Cabinet Secretary.

"The Board shall issue out of the fund monies in the form of grants to persons in the creative industry in accordance with criteria determined by the Cabinet Secretary by Regulations," the Bill states.

Senator Oketch says that the Bill has a great ability to change the creative sector, stating that it recognises the role of creativity in economic development both at the national and county level.

"Citizens working in the creative industry contribute to the gross domestic product by creating employment opportunities and paying taxes as a result of the activities they are involved in," he noted.

A camera and ring light used to create content. (Photo: Handout)

"This Bill proposes to make systemic interventions to ensure adequate support for persons in the creative industry, including proposing the formation of a guild to champion the rights and welfare of creatives," he added.

Oketch also proposed the establishment of the Creative Industry Guild, which would conduct labour market surveys, protect intellectual property rights, and facilitate royalty distribution to support and safeguard the interests of creative artists.

"The Guild shall, in collaboration with the respective county executive committee members responsible for matters relating to trade, put in place measures to support the establishment and subsidise the formalisation of creatives," the Bill reads in part.

Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye asked the public to submit their opinions by postal address, hand delivery, or email by Friday, August 30.

"In accordance with the provisions of Article 118 of the Constitution and Standing Order 145(5) of the Senate Standing Orders, the Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialisation, and Tourism now invites interested members of the public to submit any representations that they may have on the Bill by way of written memoranda," writes Nyegenye in the notice.

The committee tasked with the Bill will also hold a public hearing on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at the Senate Chamber in Parliament Buildings.