By Augustine Were
Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has urged local artists to observe financial discipline and long-term planning to avoid struggling financially after exiting the industry.
Speaking during the board’s training of over 300 artists from the country, KECOBO Deputy Director of Training and Research Sharon Watta noted that the need to invest wisely resonates particularly well in an industry where fortunes can be unpredictable.
“Most artists are making a lot of money but due to lack of financial literacy they end up languishing into poverty after spending lavishly,” said Watta.
She added that many artists experience financial highs and lows, therefore encouraging them to cultivate the culture of saving and investing to ensure a stable promising future post-retirement.
It’s great to hear that local artists found the training beneficial and are advocating for more support from the government.
This call for greater funding and legislative support highlights a crucial gap in resources available to the creative community.
For instance, similar initiatives in countries like South Korea have significantly boosted their cultural industries by providing grants and resources for artists.
Laws to help local artists
However, the artists have challenged the Parliamentary Committee on Youth, Culture, and Sportschaired by MP Dan Wanyama to develop supportive bills that will help artists to take proactive steps toward improving their industry standards.
“We want the chairperson for the parliamentary committee for the youth culture and sports to come up with bills that support our industry,” said Micah Wanyenje, a local artist.
With more structured support, the creative sector could flourish, mirroring the success seen in more developed countries. Investing in this sector not only enriches the culture but also has the potential to contribute significantly to the economy.
KECOBO has intensified its training across 47 counties in the country as they promise to protect the creative works of artist to ensure that they earn from their creative talent.
