Kenya: KAMP to distribute $130 000 in royalties

The distribution format will take a hybrid form, consisting of a blend of general and scientific methods where Ksh9m will be issued to all members and Ksh8m paid out based on performance numbers.

Speaking during the special general meeting, KAMP chairperson Angela Ndambuki said the amount distributed represents 61.59% of the collective management organisation’s (CMO’s) income before receivables and that the figure would increase to 74.61% against income for the period.

“We are declaring Ksh17m as our Q1 distribution all to be paid at once at a click of a button,” she said. “The distribution we are declaring is from collections in Q1 of Ksh27m which is 21.12% of our share from Ksh131m collected by KAMP, the Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK) and the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) from January to March 2024. This is reflective of a cumulative performance of 61% for the quarter – 61% distribution and 39% expenses.”

Ndambuki added that the figures proved that KAMP is the most efficiently run CMO in Kenya despite receiving the lowest revenue share of just 21.12%. She said KAMP would table the figures while lobbying to be the single CMO administering all rights in the creative economy, as is being proposed in the amendment to the Copyright Act that is currently tabled in Parliament.

The special general meeting also approved amendments to the KAMP memorandum and articles of association of the relevant clauses, which will enable the CMO to be compliant with the law. The delegates also proposed new names for the CMO in anticipation it would be awarded the overall CMO status following the collapse of KAMP, PRISK and the MCSK into one entity. The new CMO will also be in charge of reprographic rights and film rights in the audio-visual sector.

“It is our firm belief that KAMP would be best suited to be the single CMO mainly because of our operational efficiency, transparency, accountability and good governance,” Ndambuki said.

While acknowledging that this may be KAMP’s last general meeting as an entity, Ndambuki said the board had agreed with the call to collapse the existing CMOs as a way to reduce costs and increase royalty distribution to members.

At the same time, KAMP says it has applied for an extension of its collection licence, which is valid until May 2024. The body, representing the rights and interests of producers of sound recordings, said the next major royalty distribution was slated for October 2024. This distribution will be for broadcast royalties, which will be distributed 100% scientifically, it said.