BOOM TO CULTURE AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

It is now windfall for local artists in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi following the endorsement of the East African Community’s Culture and Creative Industries Bill 2015.

A statement from Mr Richard Owora Othieno at the EAC Secretariat in Arusha reveals that the Bill sailed through the 3rd Reading after intense debate on the floor at the ongoing East African Legislative Assembly sessions.

The key Bill recognizes people with talents and skills and creates an environment that promotes talents and the necessary infrastructure to develop the industries, many of which are considered nascent, while removing existing barriers

The object of the Bill is to promote the Culture and Creative industries at the EAC. The Bill seeks to establish the Culture and Creative Industries Council that shall provide an environment conducive to the enhancement and stimulation of creativity and innovative endeavours among the citizens of the Community.

Once formed, the Council shall provide high quality training for skills and creativity development and formulate policies and strategies to stimulate creativity and innovations among the youth to ensure long term supply of talents.

Culture and Creative Industries are considered one of the fastest growing sectors in the global economy and contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of many developed and developing countries.

The Council is also to conduct a comprehensive mapping of individuals or groups involved in creative industries and design practical tools that assist individuals to effectively use and diversify their products to be locally and globally competitive.

According to the mover of the Bill, Dr James Ndahiro, there are citizens with talents and if such (talents) are well exploited, then individuals and the nation would greatly benefit. The Bill,  Dr Ndahiro, says, it seeks to provide a legal framework for East Africans to excel in all forms of talent and creativity and contribute to the welfare of the Community.
 We need to celebrate the integration aspirations but only if we take into consideration and overcome challenges been faced in the cultural and creativity industries.  Such include unfair treatment in terms of permits to operate, discrimination of citizens from Partner States despite our co-operation and the opening up of region due to the Common Market Protocol, Dr Ndahiro maintained.

The debate was preceded by a Report of the Committee on General Purpose presented to the House by the Chair of the General Purpose Committee,  Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo.

The public hearings were held from March 9-12th, 2015, to form an effective medium for sensitization of stakeholders on the Bill and a forum for them to contribute to its enhancement.  Stakeholders visited included the government officials from the Ministries of EAC, Culture Ministries, Private sector and officials of the Investment and revenue collection bodies.

 During debate Legislator Shyrose Bhanji said it was necessary to support local artistes.  “There is not still a good market for artistes and it is vital for Governments to create budgets to enable them compete in the world market”, she said.

Ms Dora Byamukama said it was necessary to have intellectual property rights through a Bill to enable innovators to enjoy the royalties. She called for development and mapping of an inventory of artistes in the region as a marketing tool.