Ruto moves musician royalties collection to e-Citizen platform
By William Muthama, August 16, 2025President William Ruto has directed that all musician royalties in Kenya be collected and paid through the government’s e-Citizen platform to ensure artists receive their rightful earnings and reduce exploitation by intermediaries.
Speaking on Saturday, August 16, 2025, during the 97th Kenya Music Festival State Concert at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County, Ruto said the government will no longer tolerate middlemen diverting artists’ revenues.
“I have met musicians from various regions and journals, and their complaint is always the same. The issue of royalties has been stuck in endless debate for too long. We must bring it to an end this year,” he said.
The President instructed the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) to integrate a digital royalties collection and payment system into E-Citizen, even if adjustments in legislation are required. KECOBO is also enforcing that at least 70% of royalties go directly to artists.
“We must get rid of middlemen and brokers who earn more than the artists themselves. The time to act is now,” Ruto stressed.
He added that Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) that fail to comply risk losing their licenses immediately.
The President highlighted that the black tape levy has already raised Sh100 million, which will go directly into supporting the creative sector under new distribution guidelines.
To strengthen the industry further, key cultural centres such as the Kenya National Theatre and Bomas of Kenya have been rehabilitated. Counties are also encouraged to set up local creative industry centres to nurture talent.
“With these reforms, we are laying a foundation where Kenyan artists can thrive with dignity and receive at least 70% of the proceeds from their work,” Ruto assured.