Authors in Kilifi County are calling for urgent reforms to Kenya’s copyright laws to curb intellectual property theft and safeguard their creative endeavors. During the launch of the Malindi Seaside Writers Circle at a hotel in Malindi, they decried rampant plagiarism, illegal reprinting, and unauthorized online distribution of their works in PDF format.
The authors emphasized that current laws, including the Copyright Act of 2001, need comprehensive updates to reflect emerging trends in the digital era. They also urged for stricter enforcement of existing regulations to combat the exploitation of authors’ works and ensure justice for creative artists.
Challenges Facing Authors
Ms. Wahu Njoroge, founder of the Malindi Seaside Writers Circle, revealed that rampant copyright violations, including the reproduction of books under different titles, have significantly hindered authors from benefiting from their work. “The government should strictly enforce copyright laws because you will find the same book copyrighted multiple times under different titles with identical content,” said Ms. Njoroge, the author of My Mother, My Hero and Love in My Veins.
Beyond legal challenges, authors also face financial hurdles. Mr. Edward Yesse, the author of The History of the Pokomo and Captives for Hire, highlighted the high cost of publishing as a critical barrier. “Publishing a book in Kenya is very hectic and expensive. Self-publishing has become an option for many, but it still requires substantial financial resources,” he said.
He further explained that self-publishing often lacks professional oversight, leading to errors and a reduction in quality. The increasing prices of paper and printing materials exacerbate the problem, making books costly and less accessible to readers.
Proposed Solutions
The authors proposed several measures to address these challenges. A key recommendation was the reduction of taxes on printing materials such as paper and ink to lower publishing costs. They argued that this would make books more affordable and foster a stronger reading culture among Kenyans.
Ms. Njoroge also stressed the importance of supporting budding authors. Through her initiative, the Malindi Seaside Writers Circle, she provides guidance to upcoming writers who struggle to navigate the publishing landscape. To further aid new authors, Ms. Njoroge has established her own publishing house in Malindi.
The Role of Education and Culture
Dr. Nancy Ngowa, a senior lecturer and chairperson of the Department of Languages and Linguistics at Pwani University, lauded the creation of the writers’ club as a timely initiative. She highlighted the poor reading culture prevalent in the Coast Region and called on residents to embrace reading as a pathway to intellectual and personal growth.
“These days, young people are glued to their phones, neglecting the treasure troves of knowledge found in books. Reading shapes perspectives and provides academic and intellectual enrichment,” said Dr. Ngowa.
She encouraged parents and educators to promote reading habits among children to nurture a culture of learning and exploration.
Inspiring Stories from Authors
The event also spotlighted inspiring stories, including Mr. Yesse’s journey in writing Captives for Hire. The book recounts the harrowing experience of his son, Mule Yesse, a District Officer kidnapped by Al-Shabaab militants in 2012 and held captive for nearly two years. The ordeal led Mr. Yesse to retire early and focus on advocacy for his son’s release.
Building a Literary Community
The Malindi Seaside Writers Circle aims to be a platform for writers to collaborate, share ideas, and address challenges in the creative industry. Through such initiatives, the authors hope to amplify their call for reforms and create an environment where creativity thrives.
As Kenya’s literary community continues to grow, the call for reforming copyright laws and reducing publishing costs resonates not only in Kilifi but across the nation. Empowering authors and promoting reading culture are vital steps toward a vibrant literary future.
