The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) and its members, under the banner of the Music Alliance of Kenya, have officially notified authorities about a peaceful demonstration planned for August 30, 2024.
The demonstration will begin at 10:00 AM at the MCSK office and proceed to the NCBA Bank’s Westlands Branch.
The organizers have informed the Officer Commanding Station (O.C.S.) at Kileleshwa Police Station, ensuring that the protest is conducted within legal boundaries.
The core issue driving this protest is the frustration among MCSK members over the alleged obstruction by the NCBA Westlands branch in updating the signatories for the organization’s bank accounts.
This situation arose following an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on August 6, 2024, at Blue Springs Hotel, where new directors were elected.
These changes were officially recognized by the Registrar of Companies, who issued a CR-12 certificate to formalize the new leadership.
Despite this official documentation, MCSK claims that their attempts to update the bank signatories have been repeatedly blocked by the account manager responsible for their accounts at NCBA Bank.
This demonstration reflects broader dissatisfaction within the MCSK, an organization that has been under significant scrutiny in recent years.
In February 2024, the society was heavily criticized for failing to account for Ksh. 56 million in royalties collected in the previous year.
This controversy has fueled concerns about the management of funds and overall governance within MCSK, leading to strained relationships between the organization, its members, and various financial and regulatory institutions.
The planned protest is not merely about the technicality of updating bank signatories; it underscores deeper issues within MCSK.
Members are increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of accountability and transparency.
The demonstration is intended to bring these issues to the forefront, compelling not only NCBA Bank to comply with the necessary changes but also drawing attention from the public and other stakeholders in the Kenyan music industry.
The involvement of NCBA Bank in this matter adds another layer of complexity.
It highlights the challenges that arise when corporate and creative sectors intersect, particularly in a context where trust and transparency are already in question.
The bank’s alleged obstruction has not only delayed necessary administrative updates but has also exacerbated the tensions within MCSK.
It marks a potentially pivotal moment in the ongoing struggles within MCSK.
The protest could lead to major reforms or actions from the government and other regulatory bodies, especially if it draws widespread attention and support.
The outcome of this event may have far-reaching implications for the governance and future direction of MCSK, as well as for the broader music industry in Kenya.
In a country where issues of transparency and accountability are increasingly under the spotlight, the planned demonstration serves as a critical reminder of the need for proper governance in organizations that manage public and member funds.
Whether this protest will lead to the changes MCSK members are calling for remains to be seen, but it is clear that the stakes are high, not just for the organization, but for the Kenyan music industry as a whole.
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