President William Ruto met with Gengetone and Urbantone artistes at State House Nairobi.
The artists raised alarming concerns over the loss of rights to their music through questionable contracts with foreign entities.
The artists are said to have lost over 700 songs, among them the iconic “Sipangwingwi” by Exray, a track which gained widespread.
“I met Gengetone and Urbantone artistes, who shared deeply troubling experiences regarding the loss of rights to their music due to questionable contracts with foreign entities,” Ruto said.
Regrettably, our young creatives continue to face exploitation despite their immense talent and contribution to our cultural identity,” he added.
According to the Head of State, he has facilitated legal support to ensure the artistes are adequately represented in court.
Practical measures have also been agreed upon to safeguard their interests and guarantee fair compensation for their work.
“I have facilitated legal support to ensure they are adequately represented in court, and we have agreed on practical measures to safeguard their interests and ensure they receive fair reward for their work”
The Head of the Republic revealed that he has asked the National Assembly, through the Majority Leader, to fast-track the Creative Economy Bill 2026 alongside critical copyright reforms.
According to the President, the steps are necessary; to protect artists, strengthen intellectual property rights, and secure the future of Kenya’s creative economy
