"We do not know what will happen when this law takes effect, but we do not want to take any chances so we are clearing these remaining videos," said a vendor who sought anonymity as they prepared to clear stocks.
The hologram is embossed in a unique sticker supplied by the Copyright Board at Sh10 for each piece.The new move was aimed at guarding against piracy by ensuring that only certified distributors and producers dealing with original audiovisual material are allowed.
According to the Copyright Board, over 90 per cent of the videos and CDs sold in Kenya are pirated. The vice has grown over the years with the developments in technology. The arrival of the fibre optic cables have made internet access easily available and made downloading speeds faster thus making movie downloads faster.
Reduced costs of computers and duplicators coupled with increased accessibility of video imaging and editing software have all seen more players move in on the underground industry. Vendors have been subscribing to websites like rapidshare.net, movies-megaupload.com and piratebay.com and downloading and mass producing the videos for sale.
But for some traders, they have adopted a wait-and-see option as the Copyright Board of Kenya is yet to make good on its threat to raid and shut down illegal retailers.
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