The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has pledged to merge the three collective management organisations (CMOs) that collect royalties on behalf of artists for efficiency and proper management of the sector. KECOBO Chairman Joshua Kutuny believes that having one CMO will ensure that royalties are collected from all consumers of music and that the money is directly sent to artists. He also suggests that the three bodies should partner with various entities, such as county governments and NTSA, to ensure that businesses that consume music receive KECOBO permits before they are issued operating licenses. The money raised will be shared among musicians and artists based on their performances. KECOBO is also working on developing automated systems to ensure artists are paid directly by companies to avoid exploitation. The increased income will help artists acquire quality equipment and produce quality music, earning them good returns.
President William Ruto has reiterated the government’s commitment to improving Kenyans’ living standards through the Hustler Fund, which has helped millions of Kenyans improve their businesses and livelihoods. The Hustler Fund project, which started with Sh12 billion, is self-sustaining and will be funded by Sh50 billion by 2023. Those saving with the fund will receive an interest rate of 12 per cent, payable annually on December 31st. Over 700,000 people who were previously condemned by the Credit Rating Bureau have repaid their credit, and 2.2 million people are now running their businesses. The government has increased borrowing limits due to demand and urged Kenyans to embrace the culture of saving. The housing project has created job opportunities for various sectors, including engineers, architects, Jua Kali artisans, masons, plumbers, accountants, electricians, quarries, and the transport sector. The government is also working on improving the country’s economy and repaying all debts by December this year. Ruto also highlighted the efforts to address the cost of living and reduce fertiliser prices. He also praised farmers for their hard work and efforts to consolidate food security.
The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey for Kericho County has revealed improvements in health indicators in the county. The survey showed that 91% of women delivered in a health facility, while only 9.1% reported having delivered from home. The mortality rate has also improved since 2003, with under-5 child mortality dropping from 41 deaths per 1,000 births in 2003 to 31 deaths per 1,000 births in 2022. The survey also revealed an increase in women involved in decision-making, a decline in violence against women, teenage pregnancies, and a decrease in non-communicable diseases. However, 7 per cent of men and 2 per cent of women suffer from depression, while both men and women suffer from high blood pressure at 2 per cent. Gender-based violence affected 20% of women in Kericho, with 43% never seeking help after experiencing violence and only 12% seeking help after. The county-level dissemination of the survey findings aims to provide stakeholders with up-to-date estimates of demographic and health indicators to guide population and health-related programmes at the county level.
Cross-border cutting and medicalization of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are emerging trends in Kenya, despite strict anti-FGM laws. Girls are often sneaked across the border to neighbouring countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, and Ethiopia, where they undergo the cut before being brought back in. The number of girls being trafficked to undergo FGM has been on the decline this school holiday season, attributed to concerted efforts by the cross-border taskforce and collaboration among anti-FGM stakeholders. However, eradicating FGM remains a challenge due to its deeply rooted cultural practices. Factors contributing to cross-border FGM include shared traditions, fear of arrest, and a lack of alternative income sources. Stakeholder support has helped track girls being trafficked across the border to undergo FGM. Charles Olwamba, an officer from Power to Youth Kenya under AMREF Health Africa, emphasised the need to engage elders and decision-makers and empower girls to make decisions for themselves.
Molo Deputy County Commissioner Ngura Mwamachi has sent packing Molo Chief John Nderitu for laxity in fighting against illicit brew sales, which led to the deaths of two local young men. The move comes after irate residents set ablaze four houses belonging to four culprits who sold illicit liquor. Nderitu has been accused of condoning the sale of illicit brews after receiving bribes and housing them. Locals attribute the loosening of the local moral fabric to the consumption of illicit liquor, which has become a major ingredient in increased marital problems among families. A religious leader, Simon Mbatia, lamented Nderitu’s laxity and called for an administrator to help locals in the fight. The DCC urged locals to remain calm as investigations into the matter have commenced. Sub-county police commander Timon Odingo urged locals not to take the law into their own hands but to allow the security team to conduct a thorough investigation.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s coffee reforms have continued to work wonders and outrightly show that the fruits of commitment and dedication are inevitable.
On Tuesday, the coffee market generated a record KSh394m from the sale of only 12,000 bags of coffee at Nairobi Coffee Exchange.(NCE)
The New KPCU that has been the centre of coordinating farmers coffee berries was the highest generator of the bags of coffee earning over KSh165 M.
Gachagua has continued to give strict instructions to private buyers to either buy Kenyan coffee berries a price favourable to the farmer or edge out of the market.
Elizabeth Angira