Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria has revealed plans by the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) Board to extend their term in office.
Kuria said the board has been in office for the last 6 years, but the members are planning to retain their positions in a meeting scheduled for Friday, February 16,2024.
The CS termed the extension plan illegal and unacceptable adding that he will not allow it to happen.
“MCSK board has been in office for the last 6 years. They want to extend their term irregularly in a Special General Meeting on Friday 16th. This is simply not acceptable, and it will not pass. Mambo ni matatu. Even stealing has a term limit,” said Kuria.
Ezekiel Mutua Responds to the CS
However, in a quick rejoinder, MCSK Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Ezekiel Mutua explained that the Friday meeting is meant to validate the Society’s elections to be held in April.
Mutua said the meeting is a Constitutional requirement and MCSK informed the members through a notice in the local newspapers.
“On the contrary Waziri, the Special AGM is meant to ratify the MCSK elections slated for April. The meeting is a legal requirement in line with the Companies Act, 2015 and MCSK published a notice in the dailies for members to prepare for the same,” said Mutua.
Besides, the CEO questioned Kuria’s intentions, and criticized the CS for getting involved in the affairs of MCSK.
He explained that Arts is not in Kuria’s docket, and he is abusing his powers by commenting on MCSK’s issues.
“When you say that “it won’t happen” does it mean that you intent to disrupt it? Is this not tantamount to abuse of your office CS given that Arts is not your docket? You see neither a musician nor a member of MCSK. What’s your interest in a private company’s AGM?” he asked.
Kuria eCitizen Plan
This comes after Kuria on February 12 announced that all music, copyrights and royalties will be paid through the eCitizen platform.
Kuria revealed that the government was spearheading amendments to the Copyright Act to create a government run Collective Management Organization (CMO) to enhance the transition.
“All music, copyrights and royalties will be paid through eCitizen. Our artists will be individually registered. They can view online how much money is collected. Siku 40 za wezi wa jasho ya artists zimeisha,” he stated.
However, Gender CS Aisha Jumwa dismissed Kuria’s remarks stating that the mandate of making decisions revolving around CMOs and royalties falls under her ministry.
Also Read: Aisha Jumwa Counters Moses Kuria Over Paying Artists Through eCitizen
Jumwa explained that she in charge of the docket and is already working to streamline the music and art industry.
“I like the zeal of my Colleague and Friend Moses Kuria and in the spirit of one government approach this opinion is valid.
“However, my ministry through the state department of Culture, Arts & Heritage is in charge and is working on streamlining the industry,” said Jumwa.
She further revealed that her ministry will issue a directive on the next step once the discussions are complete.
“There are ongoing discussions with stakeholders in the industry with the aim of streamlining it. Once discussions are concluded, the ministry will pronounce itself on the next course of action,” explained Jumwa.
Also Read: Ezekiel Mutua Slapped with Demand Letter After Arguing with Nonini
About MCSK
MCSK is a non-governmental, non-profit making organization that is mandated to administer economic rights for authors, composers, arrangers and publishers of musical works in Kenya and other affiliate societies by collecting royalties from music users and distributing the same fairly to the rightful owners.
It is registered under the Companies Act (Cap 486 of the laws of Kenya) as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
The society was registered in 1983 as a company under number C.5/83
Since then, the Society has grown in leaps and bounds in spite of many challenges and it is moving to greater heights to achieve its objectives.
Current Board of Directors
Dr. Ezekiel Mutua is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MCSK while Lazarus Muli is the current Chairman of the Board of Directors and Eastern Region Director.
Dr. Hezekiel Oira is the Company Secretary and Joseph Shisia the Vice Chairman and Western Region Director.
Other Directors include John Katana (Coast), Simon Kariuki (Central), Paul Maina (Rift Valley) and Japheth Kassanga and John Mwangi (Nairobi).
