Musicians to earn Ksh.6B from new levy introduced by Gov't

The Blank Tape Levy, otherwise known as Private Copying Levy, became effective last Saturday (September 16th, 2023) and will be shared among creative industry players, especially musicians and book publishers.

Music Copyright Society of Kenya CEO Dr Ezekiel Mutua said the Levy will be charged on all gadgets with the capacity for recording copyrighted material. It will be paid by the importers of such gadgets at the port of entry. Manufacturers of similar gadgets listed under the Copyright Act as having potential for private copying will also pay the fee.

Blank Tape Levy is a nominal fee charged on consignments with gadgets that have the potential to do private copying and is meant to compensate artists for the exploitation of their copyrighted material.

Speaking during the launch of the book "Becoming President" by former Mount Kenya University President SK Kajwang in Thika, Mutua explained that the levy is not a new tax, but a fee meant to compensate Copyright holders for the potential use of their works. 

The chief guest at the event held at MKU's Thika main campus Kenya Military Veterans for Peace Chief Executive Officer Dr Nelson Sechere hailed the youthful author whom he termed as an inspiration to fellow youths.

Kajwang said Kenyan students have great potential and that he decided to write the book to inspire others on servant leadership.

Mutua thanked President William Ruto and CS Ababu Namwamba for supporting his efforts to have the fund implemented terming it "a game changer" in addressing the welfare of artistes.

He lauded the move saying that it was a bold step towards addressing the plight of artists, especially musicians.