KECOBO Empowers Bungoma Artists: Protecting Creativity, Securing Futures

The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) is making strides in empowering artists across the country through its “Faidika na Sanaa Yako” campaign. On its latest stop in Bungoma County, KECOBO aimed to educate artists on copyright protection, financial management, and monetization of their creative works.

Speaking at the event IN Bungoma County, Sharon Watta, the Deputy Director in charge of Training and Research at KECOBO, emphasized the importance of artists understanding their rights.

“Many artists struggle with knowing how to protect their work, how to register copyright, and how to earn from their creativity. We are here to provide them with the knowledge and tools necessary to secure their work and maximize their earnings,” she stated.

The campaign, which began last year, has already reached multiple counties, including Nyeri, Isiolo, Embu, Kakamega, Kisumu, Kericho, Machakos, and Mombasa. Now in its second phase, it has expanded to Kisii, Narok, and Bungoma, with upcoming visits planned for Eldoret, Meru, and Wajir. KECOBO aims to extend the initiative to all 47 counties, contingent on funding availability.

A significant focus of the event was financial management, a key challenge for many artists.

“We often see artists earning substantial amounts from their work but struggling to manage their finances. It is heartbreaking when artists who once made money find themselves in financial distress,” Wata noted.

KECOBO is addressing this through financial literacy sessions, encouraging artists to save, invest, and plan for the future.

The event also featured practical support for artists, including free legal advice on copyright infringement and contract signing. KECOBO lawyers were on-site to assist artists in understanding their legal rights and obligations. Additionally, artists had the opportunity to register their copyrights on the spot, reinforcing the importance of legal protection for their work.

Beyond legal and financial education, the campaign fosters networking among artists, encouraging collaboration and exposure. Watta highlighted the success of past events where artists connected with publishers and investors, resulting in meaningful opportunities.

Local artists expressed gratitude for the initiative,Sammy Mangara, a musician, acknowledged the impact of KECOBO’s training.

“We appreciate KECOBO for coming all the way from Nairobi to educate us. This knowledge is long overdue, and we urge more artists to take advantage of such programs.”

David Barasa, another participant, called for greater involvement from policymakers to support artists who may not have formal education but possess immense talent. He emphasized the need for sustained efforts to ensure artists fully benefit from their work.

KECOBO remains committed to its mission of reaching every county, equipping artists with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the creative industry. As the campaign continues, the hope is that more artists will take charge of their intellectual property, secure their financial future, and elevate Kenya’s creative sector to global standards.