African music rights bodies back KAMP amid Kenya copyright regulatory dispute

The organisations issued a joint statement following a recent Tribunal ruling directing KECOBO to issue its final decision within seven days. The statement calls for the process to be handled in accordance with the law and due process, while stressing the importance of protecting the interests of rights holders.

The signatories said they were concerned about public allegations made against KAMP, particularly claims relating to the alleged diversion, misappropriation or embezzlement of royalties. They argued that such allegations should be supported by evidence and that affected parties should have a full opportunity to respond.

According to the statement, KAMP has maintained that it is willing to cooperate with KECOBO, provide documentation and engage with the regulator. The organisation has also reportedly sought a review of the suspension decision and continued to engage with the board over the issues raised.

The African rights bodies said regulatory oversight was necessary to ensure accountability and good governance within the collective management sector, but argued that it should be “fairly, objectively, proportionately and in full compliance with the law and due process”.

They urged KECOBO to comply with the Tribunal’s seven-day deadline and consider KAMP’s responses, supporting documents and governance commitments before reaching its final decision.

The organisations also highlighted KAMP’s role in administering the rights of producers, performers and other rights holders in Kenya, particularly in relation to broadcast and public performance rights.

They warned that a prolonged disruption to KAMP’s licensing and royalty administration could affect rights holders, music users and the wider recorded music sector.

“Regulatory processes should strengthen collective management, not weaken institutions that have been built over many years to serve creators, performers and producers,” the organisations said.

The statement further argued that disruption to collective rights administration could lead to lost revenue, legal uncertainty for music users and reduced investment in Kenya’s creative economy. It also raised concerns about the potential impact on Kenya's international commitments relating to copyright and related rights.

The signatories said they supported KAMP, its members, staff and leadership while encouraging the organisation to continue engaging with KECOBO in a lawful and transparent manner.

The statement was endorsed by a range of African rights organisations and music companies, including COSBOTS (Botswana), RELPI (Nigeria), ESWACOS (Eswatini), UPRS (Uganda), RiSA (South Africa), NASCAM (Namibia), RiSA Audio Visual (South Africa), SAMPRA (South Africa), AIFA (Angola), SODAV (Senegal), AUDAC (Angola), RIKE (Kenya), BBDA (Burkina Faso), SOMA (Tanzania), Chocolate City Music (Nigeria), DMCE (Nigeria) and BURIDA (Côte d'Ivoire).