Kenyan music stakeholders have long been calling for an official document to guide the multi-million industry and prepare it for the next phase of growth. As a remedy to this the Kenya National Music Policy has officially been unveiled with the a view of streamlining the industry.
The official publication of the policy is a result of the efforts of a taskforce that was formed by the government in 2007 to engage the public on what they feel needs to be done in order to improve the industry. The taskforce that comprised of stakeholders from the music industry as well as government officials held public forums where views from citizens were sought. The draft then underwent rigorous scrutiny from a 10 member committee appointed by the Cabinet Secretary Sports and the Arts before presenting it to him.
According to Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Culture and The Arts, Dr. Hassan Wario, the music industry in Kenya has for the last 50 years experienced tremendous growth and it was a high time the industry got the support that it requires. He further opined that the lack of a proper working mechanism has made it hard for Kenyan musicians to fully reap the benefits of their hard work as well as limiting their scope in distribution of their works, especially on the global stage.He noted that this policy will help create the conditions for the music industry to flourish and raise revenues.
It is worth noting that music has a high economic value since through it Kenyan youth have been able to get engaged in gainful employment and the art has also proved to be an avenue for celebrating the diverse Kenyan culture as well as uniting the various industry stakeholders.
