The government has intensified its campaign against cartels accused of exploiting musicians, content creators, and performing artists, vowing to secure better earnings for creatives.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday said the Kenya Kwanza administration has prioritized reforms in the creative sector to eliminate middlemen who, for years, have reaped unfairly from the industry.
Speaking at his Irunduni home in Tharaka Nithi County, where he hosted over 2,000 artists and content creators, Kindiki assured them that the government will not abandon creatives to the grip of exploitative cartels.
“The cartels in the creative industry must pack and go. We are not requesting them, we are demanding them to leave and allow artists to benefit from their sweat and talent,” he said.
DP Kithure Kindiki asserts that the government is dismantling cartels and barriers that hinder artists in the creative sector from earning well. pic.twitter.com/vEVZRxVo7M
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) August 20, 2025
Kindiki, who has been tasked by President Ruto to lead the crackdown, warned that there will be no negotiations with those intent on frustrating reforms.
He noted that while some intermediaries pocket millions, artists continue to earn “peanuts,” a situation the government will no longer tolerate.
“It is not possible for one person to earn Sh2 million while the singer earns Sh2. This time, there is no escape route for the cartels. They must leave,” he said.
Kindiki added that the government is using multiple approaches, including legislation, to restructure the industry. Two key proposals – the Creative Economy Support Bill, 2024 and the Culture Bill, 2024 – are already before Parliament, seeking to strengthen protections for creatives and boost their incomes.
He further pointed to the newly created State Department of Creative Economy under the Ministry of Youth Affairs as proof of government commitment to safeguard the interests of the sector.
Drawing parallels with the administration’s success in dismantling cartels in the tea, coffee, and sugar industries, Kindiki said similar measures will ensure the multi-billion-shilling creative economy benefits its rightful owners.
“We are starting a national movement to liberate artists, musicians, and content creators from the jaws of cartels. Exploitation must come to an end. We will fight for you,” he declared.
