NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi over rising piracy in Kenya, saying his continued stay in office could depend on how quickly the problem is addressed.
Speaking at the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards, the President made an unusually direct public demand for accountability, calling Itumbi to the stage to respond to concerns over content theft in the creative industry.
“And finally, I have a guy. I gave a job called Dennis Itumbi. I want Dennis to come right here,” Ruto said as he addressed industry stakeholders.
He went on to press for answers on anti-piracy efforts, stating, “I gave you a job, and I told you what the job description was. I want you to answer something about piracy, to tell me and this audience, what is it that we are doing about piracy?”
The exchange unfolded in front of creatives and industry players gathered for an event meant to celebrate achievements in film and television, but which has increasingly highlighted structural challenges in the sector.
In response, Itumbi acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, admitting that current systems have not been effective. “Your Excellency, it is true we have a problem on piracy,” he said.
He added, “What is happening is that we have a commission under the Kenya Film Commission. We have a board that’s dealing with piracy, but it has been slow in giving the results.”
Itumbi then pledged urgent action, promising a structured plan within weeks.
“What I can pledge here today is that in the next two weeks, we will bring to you a roadmap. We are going to sit with some members of this team seated here today. We’ll pick five creatives and come back with a roadmap on what we intend to do,” he said.
He also warned that piracy has already damaged the industry’s ecosystem, noting, “We have indeed lost Showmax, which is a platform, because of piracy. So in two weeks’ time, your Excellency, we will bring a roadmap on what we intend to do.”
However, the President responded with a pointed warning linking performance to job security, saying, “And that stands between you and your job. You should know that.”
The remarks underscored growing concern within government and the creative sector over the impact of piracy, which stakeholders say continues to erode revenues, discourage investment, and limit opportunities for local filmmakers and artists.
The Kalasha Awards, organised by the Kenya Film Commission, remain a key platform for recognising excellence in Kenya’s film and television industry, even as piracy and weak enforcement persist as major challenges.
The exchange now sets a two-week deadline for a proposed roadmap, with creatives expected to be involved in developing solutions to strengthen intellectual property protection and curb illegal distribution of content.
