Members of the Metropolitan (Small and Medium) Liquor Traders Association (MELTA) actively participated in a Public Participation Forum hosted by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) today. The forum focused on the registration of companies as Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), which are crucial for managing music licensing and royalties in the industry.

Chairman Frank Mbogo’s Address

Mr. Frank Mbogo, the Chairman of MELTA, delivered a compelling address during the forum. His speech emphasized the importance of collaboration and transparent communication in shaping policies that are both fair and sustainable for the liquor industry.

• Importance of Collaboration: Mr. Mbogo stressed that collective efforts are essential to address the challenges faced by liquor traders, particularly those related to music licensing. He called for a unified approach to ensure that the concerns of “music users” are heard and addressed effectively.
• Significance of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs): He explained the vital role CMOs play in the industry, helping to streamline the licensing process and ensure that artists are fairly compensated. However, he also highlighted the need for these organizations to operate transparently and fairly, without imposing undue burdens on businesses.
• Policies that Support and Protect the Industry: Mr. Mbogo urged for policies that not only support the creative sector but also protect the interests of liquor traders. He emphasized the necessity of a balanced approach that considers the economic realities of business owners while ensuring compliance with copyright laws.

Unity and Advocacy

Mr. Mbogo’s speech also underscored the power of unity among MELTA members. By standing together, the association can amplify its concerns and advocate more effectively for fair treatment and reasonable policies.

• Amplifying Concerns: He called on members to remain united in their efforts to push for policies that are fair and equitable. Unity among members will strengthen their voice and influence in discussions with regulatory bodies like KECOBO.
• Fair Treatment: The Chairman stressed the importance of pushing for fair treatment from CMOs and other regulatory entities. Ensuring that licensing fees and policies are reasonable and transparent is key to sustaining the industry.

Productive Platform for Voicing Concerns

The Public Participation Forum provided an invaluable platform for MELTA members to voice their concerns and engage with policymakers.

• Open Dialogue: The forum facilitated open dialogue between KECOBO and stakeholders in the liquor industry. This kind of engagement is crucial for developing policies that reflect the needs and realities of all parties involved.
• Advocating for Positive Change: MELTA members used this opportunity to advocate for changes that will benefit both the liquor and creative industries. Constructive feedback and suggestions were provided to KECOBO to ensure that the registration process for CMOs is fair and transparent.

Looking Ahead

MELTA remains committed to continued engagement and collaboration with KECOBO and other stakeholders. By working together, the association aims to build a stronger, more unified industry that supports both business owners and artists.

• Ongoing Engagement: MELTA will continue to participate in forums and discussions to ensure that the voices of liquor traders are heard. Ongoing engagement is essential for shaping policies that are fair and sustainable.
• Building a Stronger Industry: The association’s efforts are focused on building a stronger, more resilient industry. By advocating for fair treatment and transparent policies, MELTA aims to create an environment where both businesses and artists can thrive.

In conclusion, MELTA’s active participation in the KECOBO Public Participation Forum highlights the association’s commitment to advocating for fair and transparent policies. Through unity and collaboration, MELTA is working towards a future where the liquor and creative industries can coexist and flourish. Let’s continue to engage, collaborate, and build a stronger, more unified industry together.

MELTA members had the distinct privilege of attending this month’s “Grow with Safaricom Business” forum, an event renowned for its engaging, informative, and influential nature. The forum, which attracted business leaders and entrepreneurs from various sectors, provided a valuable platform for learning and networking.

Key Speakers and Highlights

The event featured several prominent speakers who are experts in their fields, each sharing insights on different facets of business growth in the digital age. Their presentations were both enlightening and practical, offering attendees new perspectives and actionable strategies.

• Joram Mwinamo, Co-founder and CEO of SNDBX International: Mr. Mwinamo’s session focused on the challenges and opportunities that businesses face in the current digital landscape. He emphasized the importance of innovation and adaptability, encouraging business owners to leverage technology to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement.
• Nyandia Gachago, ACIM: As a strategist and implementer in online marketing, Ms. Gachago provided a deep dive into the latest trends and best practices in digital marketing. She highlighted the importance of a strong online presence and shared strategies for maximizing reach and engagement through various digital channels.
• Nelly Kanja, MPESA Brand Lead: Ms. Kanja’s presentation centered on the transformative power of digital financial services. She discussed how MPESA has evolved to become a critical tool for businesses of all sizes, enabling secure and efficient transactions. Her insights into leveraging MPESA for business growth were particularly valuable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to expand their market reach.

Enriching Experience for All

The forum was not just about listening to speakers; it was an interactive and enriching experience for all attendees. The opportunity to engage with industry leaders and peers allowed MELTA members to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving business landscape.

• Networking Opportunities: The event provided an excellent platform for networking. MELTA members connected with fellow entrepreneurs, potential business partners, and industry experts. These interactions are invaluable for fostering collaborations and gaining new insights.
• Actionable Insights: The practical advice and strategies shared by the speakers equipped attendees with actionable insights. From enhancing digital marketing efforts to leveraging financial technology, MELTA members left the forum with a wealth of knowledge to implement in their own businesses.
• Empowerment and Growth: The overarching theme of the forum was empowerment through knowledge. By understanding the latest trends and tools available, MELTA members are better positioned to drive growth and success in their businesses.

Looking Forward

MELTA is committed to continuous learning and development. Attending events like the “Grow with Safaricom Business” forum is part of the association’s broader strategy to empower its members with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.

• Future Engagements: MELTA plans to participate in more forums and workshops that offer valuable insights and networking opportunities. Staying engaged with the broader business community is essential for keeping abreast of new developments and opportunities.
• Sharing Insights: MELTA will be sharing more insights and takeaways from this impactful event in the coming weeks. Members who could not attend will have access to the key learnings and strategies discussed at the forum.

Conclusion

The “Grow with Safaricom Business” forum was a highly successful and enriching event for MELTA members. The insights gained from the expert speakers, coupled with the networking opportunities, have empowered attendees to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of the digital age. As MELTA continues to engage with influential platforms and forums, it reaffirms its commitment to supporting and growing the small and medium-sized liquor trading community. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from MELTA’s ongoing initiatives and engagements!