DP Ruto meets Khaligraph Jones, Willy Paul, DJ Joe Mfalme, Nadia Mukami among other artists at Karen
“At the request of our artists led by rapper Khaligraph Jones (Brian Robert Ouko), Deputy President William Samoei Ruto met members of the creative industry to discuss their concerns, receive suggestions and proposals on the current situation in the country.” Deputy President William Ruto
Amongst them in attendance was Khaligraph,Dj Shiiti,Willy Paul,Jalang’o,Arrow Boy, Nonini,Nadia,Dj Joe,Pierra,Bonoko,Kristoff,…
” At the request of our artists led by rapper Khaligraph Jones (Brian Robert Ouko), I met members of the creative industry to discuss their concerns, receive suggestions and proposals on the current situation in the country.
The COVID-19 pandemic with its attendant health and economic challenges that have ravaged the country, negatively impacting millions of livelihoods, especially in the hospitality, creative and entertainment industries, dominated the consultation.
The artists raised issues of grave concern affecting them, offered to participate in flattening the outbreak’s curve and made suggestions on the best way forward that will help the Government, and the industry raise some income.
Among the requests made were the creation of a special government fund to support the artists, government and persons of goodwill support to reengineer the industry in digital space to facilitate online music concerts and to assist the industry adapt to the new normal.
The artists offered to spearhead an intense campaign to promote the Ministry of Health’s protocols and vaccination drive as their contribution in the battle against COVID-19.
Further, they asked the Government to provide a clear roadmap, timelines and measurable milestones whose attainment will lead to the re-opening of the country. This, they said, will help them plan resumption of their activities.
In our meeting, we also discussed the possibility of coming up with a policy that will help weed out bureaucracy, brokers and impediments that slow the growth of the industry.
We acknowledge that artists have worked hand in hand with the government and appreciate their proposal to assist in confronting the pandemic. We welcome their offer to reinforce the campaign on the observance of COVID-19 protocols and vaccination drive once it is rolled out fully.
I offered to ensure that their recommendations and proposals are forwarded to the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus.