Content creators in Migori seek recognition by government

A laptop and microphone used for content creation. [Getty Images]

Content creators in Migori county now want the involvement of the national and county governments in their activities.

Led by their chairperson Jacob Otieno, the content creators said they want the appreciation and remuneration of their talents.

Local artists and content creators lamented that they are never involved in public functions.

"We often have visitors from other counties coming to present talent and skills here," Otieno claimed.

They are demanding for protection against exploitation of their products, recognition and avenues for conflict resolution.

They questioned interventions put in place to address their concerns.

The local content creators were speaking on January 31 during a stakeholder engagement on the draft Creative Economy Policy and the Creative Industries Bill, December 2023 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports at Migori Teachers Training College (TTC) in Migori town.

Daisy Akal who is a filmmaker pleaded with the government to consider all the counties during implementation of the Bill.

"Many are times they consider bigger towns and we end up suffering. We are calling for the government to consider this when offering opportunities and distributing infrastructure," Akal said.

Dr Damaris Ogama, an official from the Ministry of Youth Affairs Creative Economy and Sports acknowledged the issues raised by the creatives saying they would escalate them to the leadership.

Ogama announced that they would meet with the Council of Governors and the CECs of various counties that are involved in culture, heritage and creatives next week to address issues faced by the content creators.

She admitted that they are aware that the creatives were demanding for the protection against exploitation of their products, recognition and avenues for conflict resolution, saying that some were proposing for administrative positions and tribunals.

Ogama said the proposed Bill provides for creatives to embrace the protection of their property and registration of the same.

"The Ministry is trying to come up with structures on creative economy. But there are still opportunities for protection," she said.

She revealed that the Government is interested in integrating the creative industry in the capital market, to be able to issue bonds that would help raise funds to support the sector.