President William Ruto has pledged sweeping reforms to protect Kenya creative sector after a group of Gengetone and Urbantone artists revealed they lost rights to hundreds of their own songs under disputed contracts.
The announcement follows a meeting on Wednesday between the president and affected musicians, who described signing agreements with foreign entities that later stripped them of ownership of their work. The disclosures highlight longstanding vulnerabilities in Kenya fast growing but loosely regulated music industry.
“They have lost over 700 songs, including ‘Sipangwingwi,’ the song that powered conversations in 2022,” Ruto said, underscoring both the scale of the loss and the cultural significance of the music.
Artists at the meeting said many agreements were signed early in their careers, often without adequate legal advice. In pursuit of exposure and commercial success, they entered deals they now describe as opaque and unfair.
The situation reflects a broader trend within Kenya urban music scene, where young creatives have driven cultural influence but frequently lack institutional protection. Gengetone has dominated youth culture in recent years, producing viral hits and shaping national conversations.
Ruto acknowledged the imbalance, calling the situation regrettable and noting that many affected artists are emerging talents.
“I have facilitated legal support to ensure they are adequately represented in court,” he said, signaling immediate government intervention.
Government reforms and digital solutions
Beyond legal assistance, the government is advancing long term policy solutions aimed at restructuring the industry. Central to these efforts is the proposed Creative Economy Bill 2026, which seeks to establish clear legal frameworks for intellectual property protection and fair compensation.
The bill aims to transition the creative sector from an informal ecosystem into a structured economic pillar. It proposes standardized contracts, improved oversight and stronger enforcement of copyright laws.
“We have agreed on practical measures to safeguard their interests and ensure they receive fair reward for their work,” Ruto said.
He added that the National Assembly has been tasked with fast tracking the legislation alongside broader copyright reforms.
In parallel, the government is introducing digital tools to address longstanding challenges in royalty collection and distribution.
Ruto announced the launch of a new portal on the eCitizen platform designed to improve transparency and efficiency. The system is expected to streamline payments and ensure artists receive earnings owed to them.
“I also informed them that the government has established a digital portal on eCitizen to aid royalty collection and distribution,” he said.
Industry stakeholders have long criticized existing royalty systems for inefficiencies and lack of accountability. The digital platform is seen as a critical step toward restoring trust within the sector.
The unfolding crisis marks a pivotal moment for Kenya creative industry, which has grown rapidly but often without adequate safeguards. Analysts say the government response could redefine how creative work is valued and protected.
For affected artists, the path forward may involve prolonged legal battles. However, the combination of state backed legal support, legislative reform and digital innovation offers renewed hope.
If successfully implemented, these measures could secure stronger intellectual property rights and position the creative economy as a sustainable driver of national growth.
