In Kenya, where youth constitute 60% of the population, social media has emerged as a vital platform for content creation, necessitating a deeper understanding and enforcement of copyright laws to safeguard their work.

Despite the Kenyan creative industry contributing 5% to the nation's GDP, many artists struggle with poverty due to the exploitation of their creations, even as the music market's value reached US$110 million in 2024.

Veteran musician JB Maina, who has been active for over 40 years, has faced significant challenges in the industry, including rampant copyright infringement and unauthorized reproductions of his work.

Maina recently secured a Sh15 million settlement from Safaricom after a legal battle over the unauthorized use of his songs as ringtones, illustrating the ongoing fight against intellectual property theft in Kenya.

The rise of digital formats has exacerbated music piracy, with a staggering 59.2 million visits to piracy sites reported in Kenya in 2023, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current copyright laws.

In response to these challenges, the Kenya Copyright Board (Kecobo) has initiated training programs aimed at raising awareness about intellectual property rights and enhancing enforcement against infringement.

Kecobo is also actively working to improve public awareness of intellectual property rights, including training sessions for both creatives and law enforcement to better protect original works.

The deregistration of major collective management organizations (CMOs) due to mismanagement has complicated royalty payments, leading to disputes that further hinder artists' financial stability.

Despite government efforts to combat piracy, internal conflicts between CMOs and Kecobo have obstructed effective royalty distribution, resulting in financial losses for many artists.

To help artists protect their work, simple steps for copyrighting music in Kenya include registering with Kecobo online, uploading music files, and paying a registration fee.

Recent reports highlight a significant growth in Sub-Saharan Africa's recorded music market, with revenues exceeding US$110 million in 2024, showcasing the potential of Kenya's creative economy.

Maina's hit song 'Tiga Kumute' has been reproduced without his consent, further emphasizing the struggles artists face in protecting their intellectual property.