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{
"id": 1285708,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1285708/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Crystal Asige",
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"content": "musicians have historically been excluded from development policies and strategic plans, equitable industry standards and systems. We often witness several of our musical greats spend their lives in deplorable conditions. This stark reality has been the subject of previous statements and petitions that I, and many others, have brought before this esteemed House. It is worth noting that we already have the Kenya Union of Entertainment and Music Industry Employees, which has existed since the 1960s. However, throughout its existence, it has failed to negotiate a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on behalf of musicians. This shortcoming can be attributed to its broad focus, encompassing both the music and entertainment industries, which dilutes its ability to adequately represent musicians' specific needs. Trade Unions use CBAs to dialogue with stakeholders towards reaching satisfactory consensus for both workers and employers. The International Labour Organization credits CBAs with greater cooperation and increased productivity of workers, which leads to higher profits due to improved performance. For musicians, the equivalent is higher quality and consistency in their craft. In truth, musicians do not need handouts, but rather, need to be empowered. CBAs help to bring about more conducive and sustainable work conditions and this is crucial in the arts. This is a great opportunity, not just to the musicians who will be able to create value and benefits for themselves, but to the whole economy at large. Musicians can in turn employ and contract dancers, managers, stylists, fashion designers, social media managers, accountants, and the list goes on and on. The value creation resulting from this can result to even more money flowing in and out of the creative economy. We can have a Kenya where the music industry is a major contributor to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Mr. Speaker, Sir, with this context in mind, the proponents of the Kenyan Musicians Union sought to create a platform that will solely focus on our concerns. They applied to the Registrar of Trade Unions to register this union aiming for future recognition. By law, the registrar invited objections. The Kenyan Union of Entertainment and Music Industry Employees initially rejected, but withdrew their objections after there was clarification that it was not to replace them, but to focus exclusively on music issues. Shockingly, the Registrar inexplicably refused to proceed with the registration, leading to this court dispute. Mr. Speaker, Sir, every Kenyan has the constitutional right to freedom of association as outlined in Article 36 of our Constitution. I am pleased to note that the High Court of Kenya recognizes this fundamental right and acknowledges the importance of the proposed union in representing musicians’ interests. Regrettable, this matter should not have escalated to a court dispute, but it has and the court has delivered a judgement. Now, our collective attention must be to take the next steps by all parties involved. I urge Hon. Members in this House to put considerable effort into looking into the plight of musicians in their counties, including championing for those who are trying to The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate."
}