Partners Against Piracy (PAP) have called for the Implementation of Sections 35 B, C & D of the Copyright Act, in Co-operation with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), within the next 100 Days, to help the Creative Industry of Kenya recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic and create over 50,000 new Jobs for the Youth.
During this year’s World IP Day celebration, themed Intellectual Property and the Youth, PAP interim Convener & MyMovies.Africa™ Co-Founder - Mike Strano, said “The estimated gross losses to Online Piracy in Kenya costs the industry over KES 92 billion per year. That is, KES 15 billion lost through pirated Music."
Additionally, Strano says that yearly, Piracy costs the Government over KES 12.69 billion in Value Added Tax, KES 2.49 billion in Corporation Tax, KES 1.07 billion in Income Tax for Residents and KES 1.13 billion in Income Tax for Non-Residents.
“Pirates do not register their businesses and do not pay tax. They also do not create employment. Reducing piracy in Kenya can create at least 50,000 jobs. ”, says Strano.
Regarding Legislation and Policy challenges facing the Industry, Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) Executive Director - Edward Sigei, said, “Creatives, as the Owners of Copyright & Related Rights, are a critical tool in the fight against Piracy. They have influence and reach to advocate for Policies that directly affect their Revenue streams. This is the only way that we can empower and advocate for our Creative Industry.”
This year’s theme for the World Intellectual Property Day was IP and Youth - Innovation for a Better Future, so during the celebration PAP also hosted a Panel Discussion with young creative minds on the Challenges they are facing in the Industry with regards to Piracy.
“Lack of structures in the Music Industry on how we make money from our Art is discouraging”, said King Kaka -Rapper and Chief Executive Officer of Kaka Empire. “If these structures were put in place, the Government would view the Creative Industry as a multi-billion shilling Sector that is taxable. The relevant bodies mandated to oversee these issues should step-up.”
Stakeholders who participated in the celebrations were urged to change their attitude and perception towards the Creative Industry, as it could hugely contribute to the growth of the GDP of the country.
I learned of my son's death on social media- Hilary Litali's dad