The Kakamega Senator, Cleophas Malala has urged the national and county governments to come up with a more sustainable way of supporting talent even after the covid-19 pandemic.
Malala said there was need for both levels of government to invest in talent through nurturing and financially supporting them.
The Senator suggested that there should be at least one cultural centre in each of the 47 counties to complement the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi for developing talents, culture and performing arts.
“I am challenging governors and all players of devolution, including MCAs and Ministry of Culture executives to prioritize investing in talent as an important source of employment for the people,” he stated.
Malala was speaking during a talent show event in Kakamega at the Multipurpose Hall in Masinde Muliro University where he issued Sh.100 million to artists from the western region as a fulfilment of part of the government’s 2020 resolutions to cushion artists from the adverse effects of covid-19 disease.
He lauded the government for the contribution but requested for an additional Sh 200 million to make it sufficient for the beneficiaries.
The legislator called on the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) to ensure the funds remitted to the association were paid back to the artists in royalties, accusing the board of failing to pay members even though they collect millions of shillings copyright money.
The event was organized by the county government through the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Heritage in conjunction with the Kenya Cultural Centre to showcase and appreciate talent from the western region through performing arts and cultural shows.
By Sammy Mwibanda/Remigius Maloba
