Musicans from Murang’a County cry foul over Covid-19 funds

Musicians from Murang’a County expressed their sadness for the delay of sh.100 million that president Uhuru Kenyatta had promised artistes. The money was meant to cater for them during this Corona virus pandemic period.

Reports from the County indicate that they are facing hardtimes because of covid19 since they cannot manage to pay for their live performances.
In addition, most of them are also facing socio-economic challenges and the industry has done little to help them survive.

The section is now calling upon the ministry of sports ,culture and heritage to fast track their funds so as to cushion them during these difficult times.

They also urged that the concerned people should ensure that they get their share to cushion their live performances since the industry is becoming a big challenge to them.

The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage launched the “Work For Pay” Kshs. 100 million stimulus package for artists, actors and musicians at the Kenya Cultural Centre in May this year. The directive was in line with the Executive Order issued by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta on 6th April 2020, directing the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund to avail Kshs. 100 million to cushion those in the creative industry during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the government, funds were to be distributed through a campaign dubbed ‘TOGETHER AT HOME’ spearheaded by Government Agencies and Departments, as stipulated by the Regulations establishing the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund.
Artists from different creative sectors were required to produce works that entertain and educate Kenyans and the world on the safety and health precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19. The artistic productions were to carried through various assets set up by the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage such as “KULTURE TV” and other collaborative media outlets.
But now it seems like the money is yet to hit ground in Murang’a as these section of musicians cry foul.

It’s either they are on the wrong track or some one somewhere in the government is again taking kenyans fro a ride.Attachments area.

By Juliet Mutinda
julietkokimutinda@gmail.com