An Investigation into the Factors Influencing Music Piracy in Kenya

A Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to determine the major factors that influence music piracy in Kenya. The study was guided by the following research questions: (i) what advancements in technology have led to an increase in music piracy in Kenya? (ii) What is the influence of ICT policies on music piracy in Kenya? And (iii) what ethical and other factors have influenced music piracy in Kenya? The research methodology used was descriptive and focused on a sample from a population of people who are most likely to be involved in piracy of music and also those who listen to music most often. The target population was aged between 18 and 30 and were largely university students. The main method used when collecting data was questionnaires containing questions developed by the researcher. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in analysis of data so as to establish the relationship among the various variables. The data was analyzed in order to establish the correlation and covariance of various variables. A regression analysis was carried out so that the relationship among various variables can be established. The study established that increased storage capacity in devices such as computers as well as portable devices has led to an increase in the levels of music piracy. Availability of multiple music formats has also made it easier to download and store pirated music. The study also established that online file sharing applications are the main source of pirated music followed by file sharing among friends through flash disks. The availability of fast, cheap and easily available internet has also fueled the rise and spread of music piracy. The study revealed that the best way to handle music piracy is by enforcing strict legal measures to deal with offenders who use corruption to buy their way out of trouble. Reducing corruption in the police force and judiciary would also help to reduce music piracy. Failure to enforce copyright laws and lack of coordination when it comes to enforcement also reduces the effectiveness of the legal systems. Similarly, slow processes in the justice system have also hindered effective enforcement of copyright laws. Enforcement of steeper penalties would be the most effective way of reducing music piracy in the country. The study also established that majority of those who pirate music do so because legal music is too expensive hence they cannot afford to buy all the music they would like to listen to. The main reason as to why music is download illegally is because it is free when pirated. However, majority of respondents stated that they would be willing to legally purchase music if it was made affordable. Another finding of the study was that majority of the respondents agreed that music piracy is wrong and that their ethical beliefs affect downloading intentions. Influence from friends was established as one of the primary causes of people engaging in music piracy. The study recommends that there is need for development of new technology in all aspects of ICT in order to ensure that there are enough measures in place to help curb piracy. Implementation of technological applications that can help in dealing with the menace of music piracy in Kenya as well as active involvement by ISPs can greatly reduce the level of music piracy in Kenya. The study also recommends the need for the government to ensure that it is actively involved in the fight against piracy by providing proper legislation so as to ensure that the legal system is able to effectively deal with music piracy. Additionally there is need for additional enforcement so as to enhance monitoring of music piracy in Kenya. This enforcement should be provided in terms of funding antipiracy organizations and providing the necessary equipment and manpower needed. The study recommends the need for society to change the way they perceive music piracy. In this regard, it is important for the regulatory authorities to carry out massive campaigns to ensure that they educate the public on the importance of avoiding music piracy and the negative effects it has on the various stakeholders