PRESIDENT RUTO MEETS GENGE & URBANTONE ARTISTES

President William Ruto has met with a group of Gengetone and Urbantone artistes who raised concerns over the loss of rights to their music, due to exploitative contracts signed with foreign entities.

During the meeting, the artistes shared troubling experiences regarding how they had lost control of their own work. According to the President, the musicians have lost more than 700 songs, including ‘Sipangwingwi‘ by Exray, a track that dominated conversations across Kenya in 2022.

“It is regrettable that our young creatives continue to face exploitation despite their immense talent and contribution to our cultural identity,” President Ruto said.

In response to the artistes’ plight, the President has facilitated legal support to ensure they are adequately represented in court. He also confirmed that both parties agreed on practical measures to safeguard the artistes’ interests and ensure they receive fair reward for their work.

President Ruto further announced that he has asked the National Assembly, through the Majority Leader, to fast-track the Creative Economy Bill 2026 alongside copyright reforms. He stated that these measures are necessary to protect Kenyan artistes, strengthen intellectual property rights, and secure the future of the country’s creative economy.

The President also informed the artistes that the Government has established a digital portal on e-Citizen to aid royalty collection and distribution.