With artists calling for the fastness in the establishment of the National Arts and Heritage Council (NaHeC), Ministry of Sports and Culture has said it is targeting to have the bill submitted to Cabinet by December, 2016.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Christopher Mbukwa, said there was progress in the process of setting up the council.
Having taken 50 years before the Cultural Policy’s approval, some artists have said the government needs to take the creative industry seriously having sidelined it for a longtime and that they needed to have the council on the ground in time.
“As per our schedule, we want to have the bill submitted to Cabinet by December 2016. After Cabinet’s approval of the bill it will be taken to Parliament next year,” said Mbukwa.
The spokesperson maintained that the process towards the establishment of council is progressing at a steady speed.
“The process received an impetus as the establishment of NaHeC was included as reform area for the Department of Culture. This, not only signifies the importance placed on the establishment of the NaHeC but also assures that the process will be done with minimal delays,” said Mbukwa.
He then revealed that the regional consultations have been done and that only one last round of consultations remains which will target a sample of religious and traditional leaders.
“We would love to have the NaHeC established by yesterday. However, issues to do with consultations can never be rushed. We are hoping that after the consultations with religious and traditional leaders the draft bill will be submitted to Ministry of Justice,” said Mbukwa.
There have also been fears from some quarters as to how the Department of Culture will operate with the council in the picture but Mbukwa said the fears of duplication of roles are unfounded.
“The roles of the Council and the department of Culture are different.The Department’s role is that of policy guidance while the council is that of implementation of programmes and activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mbukwa has said that just like other departments, the Department of Culture is implementing the reforms activities which include restructuring as well as splitting the department into three.
He said the splitting includes relocating head offices of National Records and Archives Services and expanding its scope to include all Registries and devolution of some cultural functions to local councils.
He also hinted on the introduction of the Public Private Partnership (PPP), establishing information centres at selected Heritage sites, introducing service charges for services provided and establishment of Treasury Fund and upgrading management system for entertainment articles and facilities.
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