KECOBO Urges Local Artists to Embrace Financial Discipline for a Secure Future

 

By Augustine Were 

The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has called on local artists to prioritize financial discipline and long-term planning to avoid future struggles after leaving the industry. Speaking at a copyright training session for over 300 artists, Sharon Watta, Deputy Director of Training and Research at KECOBO, emphasized the importance of investing wisely, particularly in an industry where financial fortunes can be unpredictable.

"Many artists are making a lot of money, but due to a lack of financial literacy, they end up falling into poverty after spending lavishly," said Watta. She stressed that artists often experience financial highs and lows, and thus, developing a culture of saving and investing is crucial to ensure a stable future post-retirement.

The training, which was well received by local artists, has sparked a call for more government support. Artists are advocating for greater funding and legislative backing to bridge the resource gap in the creative industry. Watta’s message resonates with the broader creative community, which sees financial education as a key to sustaining long-term success.

Echoing this sentiment, Micah Wanyenje, a local artist, called on the Parliamentary Committee on Youth, Culture, and Sports to pass supportive bills that would help improve the industry's standards. “We want the chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee for Youth, Culture, and Sports to come up with bills that support our industry,” said Wanyenje.

Drawing inspiration from successful initiatives in countries like South Korea, which have boosted their cultural industries through grants and resources for artists, local artists are hopeful that with proper support, Kenya's creative sector could experience similar growth. Such investments, they argue, would not only enrich the country’s culture but also contribute significantly to its economy.

In response, KECOBO has ramped up its training efforts, expanding its reach across all 47 counties in Kenya. The organization remains committed to protecting the intellectual property of artists, ensuring they benefit financially from their creative work.

As the creative sector in Kenya continues to grow, the call for stronger support and better financial practices has never been more pressing, with the potential to unlock significant cultural and economic benefits for the country.

March 24, 2025