Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Tuesday, February 13, tore into the Music Copyright Society of Kenya Board over allegations that its members were planning to extend their terms illegally.
In a short statement, Kuria observed that the MCSK board has been in office for six years and as such, he would do everything in his power to ensure the board members don't extend their stay in office.
Kuria claimed that the Board had been scamming Kenyan artists which he cited as the primary reason why he is opposed to the alleged extension.
“They want to extend their term irregularly in a Special General Meeting on Friday, February 16. This is simply not acceptable and it will not pass,” Kuria remarked.
The Board is led by Chairman Lazarus Muli who is deputised by Joseph Shisia who also acts as Western region director.
Other members include; Japheth Kassanga (Nairobi Region Director), John Mwangi (Nairobi Region Director), John Katana (Coast Region Director) and Simon Kariuki (Central Region Director).
Paul Maina (Rift Valley Region Director) James Likembe (Nyanza Region Director), James Likembe (Nyanza Region Director) and Ezekiel Mutua (CEO) complete the set of board members.
The statement from CS Kuria was made a day after he remarked that the government is planning to pay artists through the eCitizen platform.
According to CS Kuria, this will be achieved by amending the Copyright Act with the aim of creating a government-run Collective Management Organisation.
CS Kuria reckons that this would ensure that artists under MCSK would be able to register under the eCitizen platform and monitor their royalties in real time.
Nonetheless, CS Kuria's plans to shake up the royalties payments architecture have faced a hitch, with his Gender counterpart Aisha Jumwa insisting that this prerogative falls within her docket.
"There are ongoing discussions with stakeholders in the industry with the aim of streamlining it. Once discussions are concluded, the ministry will pronounce itself on the next course of action," Jumwa stated.
