Government fulfills part of its 2020 resolutions under COVID-19 pandemic

The
government has fulfilled part of its promises set at the beginning of the year,
despite the Coronavirus pandemic effects.

Speaking at
State House Nairobi during the state of the COVID-19 address on Monday, President
Uhuru Kenyatta directed the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage to set
aside Ksh.100 million to cushion local artistes from the effects of the pandemic.

This is part
of the pledges the government made in January this year to increase funds paid
out to artistes after they had received an underwhelming annual pay of Ksh.200
million last year.

 “I direct the Ministry of Sports, Culture and
Heritage to avail Ksh.100M from the Sports Fund to our artistes, actors and
musicians during the period of the covid-19 pandemic so they may continue to
entertain their fellow brothers and sisters through TV, radio and the
internet,” said Kenyatta.

The
directive will see all local artistes earning a total of Ksh.200 million per
month or Ksh.2 billion per year, effective this month.

“Starting
this month, all our local artistes will be earning a total of Ksh.200 million
per month that will be paid to musicians through the system and other platforms
that we have developed. This shall translate this year to over Ksh.2 billion
going into the pockets of our young artistes and young Kenyans,” said Kenyatta.

The move
will see local artists resort to online entertainment, even as the government
urge citizens to minimize movement, stay at home and reduce social distance –a key
measure in the fight against COVID-19.

Four
Counties of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale have been termed Coronavirus hot
bed, with the government restricting movements in and out of these counties.