Ababu Namwamba: Kenyans should pay for music they listen to in hotels – ‘entertainment tax’

Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has proposed a new tax that comes in form of entertainment.

Speaking in the recent Talanta Hela launch at State House, the CS suggested that Kenyans should pay for the music they enjoy while eating and drinking in public facilities.

“We are telling broadcasters, public service vehicles, entertainment and hospitality sports where music is played -The same way you enjoy your drink and your food and you pay for the food and you pay for the music and you pay for the drink and the food.

And you forget that it is the music accompanying the drink, and the food – We want you to pay for the drink, pay for the food, and pay for the music.”

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Namwamba claimed that the initiative, a flagship project of his agenda, is aimed at monetising talent using existing government institutions, including the Kenya Academy of Sports and the Kenya Film School.

“We are working with the Ministry of Education as well as the Ministry of ICT to ensure that we are able to identify talent from schools and communities from all corners of our republic,” Namwamba said.

The programme had two councils, one for creative/entertainers and the other for sports.

Mr Namwamba hand-picked his council members, including prominent celebrities such as TikToker Azziad Nasenya and musician Akothee. Comedian Churchill Ndambuki and blogger Dennis Itumbi also made the list.

However, few days ago he revoked all the appointments after facing public backlash.