Veteran Kenyan gospel singer Jemimah Thiongo has filed a lawsuit against telecommunications giant Safaricom, seeking KSh 15 million in compensation for the alleged unauthorized use of her music.
The case, now before the High Court of Kenya, centers on claims that Safaricom used her songs without proper licensing or consent, thereby violating her intellectual property rights.
Thiongo, known for her popular gospel hits such as Akisema Atakubariki, alleges that Safaricom, in partnership with third-party content providers, distributed and commercialized her music on its platforms without entering into any agreement with her or paying royalties.
According to court documents, the singer argues that this not only deprived her of deserved income but also damaged her professional reputation and artistic legacy.
The singer’s legal team is demanding KSh 15 million in damages, which includes compensation for the financial losses suffered and punitive damages meant to deter similar future infringements.
The lawsuit also calls attention to what Thiongo describes as a broader issue in the entertainment industry—corporate misuse of artists’ work without following legal and ethical licensing procedures.
This case is being closely watched by industry stakeholders, as its outcome could set a significant precedent for how copyright laws are interpreted and enforced in Kenya.
If successful, it could mark a step forward in strengthening protections for musicians and other content creators in the country.
Safaricom has yet to issue a detailed public response to the allegations. Meanwhile, Thiongo and her supporters hope the case will spark a wider conversation about the need for stronger intellectual property enforcement and respect for the rights of local artists.
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