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{
    "id": 1018985,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1018985/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 55,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Wako",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 366,
        "legal_name": "Amos Sitswila Wako",
        "slug": "amos-wako"
    },
    "content": "Madam Deputy Speaker, it is sad there are reports that our local artists are being exploited and defrauded of their income. There are reports that they only get 10 per cent of what they earn in terms of royalties and in some cases, 1 per cent. The rest of the percentage whether 90 per cent or so, goes to the management. We know that administrative costs and management should not take more than 15 to 20 per cent of the income. The World Bank says only 5 per cent. However, when it comes to copyright matters and intellectual property rights matters, 90 to 95 per cent, is being taken by the management. I would like us to go into that. I know there is a Petition before the Senate, and I am looking forward to a reply to the Petition so that we can see how to benefit the local artists. When I was the Attorney-General, this is one of the areas I focused on. During my tenure, we enacted a new Copyright of Kenya Act, which was consistent with international practices. Nonetheless, people have not benefited from that because of what I have outlined. What prompted me to come up with the legislation was when I noticed that some of the old well-known artists, the composers of the song “ Malaika” had died in poverty, some in Kibera in one room next to a sewerage line when in America, they would be the people who would be staying in Karen, Muthaiga and so on. We have a lot to do, which is part of the overall development of the country. I wish the Government would focus on this area of encouraging our local artists. They die poor. If there is anything that could be done, one of the Ohangla musicians who died was said to have died in real poverty. If there is any way we can step in and assist the families of the bereaved, I would be in the forefront in assisting that. With those few remarks, I thank you for this opportunity."
}