The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) Chief Executive Officer Ezekiel Mutua has lauded Sports and Arts Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba for the efforts to implement the Blank Tape Levy.
The MCSK CEO in a statement acknowledged that it is the first time in Kenya’s history that the government has rolled out an initiative to support creatives.
“For the first time in Kenya’s history, the Government has an initiative that can become the game changer in supporting creatives – The Blank Tape Levy.
Unlike other sectors, Govt has had no meaningful contribution in promoting creatives as it neither funded production nor bought the products,” Dr Mutua said.
Moreover, Ezekiel Mutua stated that the government of Kenya has never contributed to the music sector either through supporting musicians in music production or buying their music.
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“Quite elated to see the implementation of the Blank Tape Levy at last. Now the creatives will have a revenue stream they can bank on,” his statement read in part.
According to him, individual artists have been producing and selling their music without the help of the state.
However, the MCSK boss said the introduction of the blank tape levy will make a huge contribution in alleviating Kenyan artists.
“So far, this has been purely individual artists efforts. But the Blank Tape Levy to be charged on gadgets entering the country from outside will make a great contribution in alleviating the suffering of artists. Kudos Waziri Ababu Namwamba,” he added.
Blank Tape Levy is Not a Tax – Ezekiel Mutua
Ezekiel Mutua also stated that the Blank Tape Levy is not a tax, but a small fee charged at the port of entry on any gadget that can be used for private copying.
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Further, the MCSK boss noted that the cost is catered for by those importing the gadgets.
“It’s a fee charged at the port of entry on any gadget with capacity for private copying and it is meant to compensate creatives,” Mutua affirmed.
Likewise, Ezekiel Mutua noted that the introduction of the blank tape levy brings Kenya up to par with world economies where creatives are appreciated, and their work prospected.
In addition, Dr Mutua reported that the levy has been present in the law since 2001, noting that its implementation is in line with Section 40 of the constitution which compels the Government to protect the Intellectual Property Rights of its citizens.
“This levy has been in the Copyright Act, but previous regions gave lip service to creatives about its implementation. Happy to see that finally the rollout is on course,” Dr. Ezekiel Mutua stated.
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Implementing the Blank Tape Levy
The Kenya Copyright Board (Kecobo) on Monday, September 11 announced that the blank tape levy will take effect from September 15, 2023.
“This is to notify the general public of the commencement of the implementation of the Blank Tape Levy with effect from September 15, 2023, pursuant to sections 28(3)(6) and 30(6) of the Copyright Act and the second schedule part B of the Copyright Regulations 2020,” the statement read.
Nonetheless, Kecobo noted that the Bank Tape Levy is a fee imposed on the sale of blank devices such as CDs, DVDs, USB drives, and smartphones payable at the point of entry into Kenya or at the point of first manufacturer.
The levy is collected on items that may be used to carry copyright-protected content for private copying.
