KAMP challenges KECOBO’s suspension of operating licence

In a statement issued after KECOBO announced the suspension on 1 July, KAMP said it was “dismayed and deeply concerned” by the regulator's decision, adding that it had been engaged in ongoing discussions with the board.

The organisation said it only became aware of the embezzlement allegation through KECOBO's public notice and had not previously been asked to account for any funds.

“KAMP categorically objects to and denies this allegation. It is particularly very concerning that we first learned of this allegation through the said public notice, and that KECOBO has never requested KAMP to account for any aforesaid funds in our various correspondence.”

KAMP said it had formally requested KECOBO to provide the evidence on which the allegation was based and stated that it remained willing to engage with the regulator.

According to KAMP, KECOBO had written to the organisation on 14 May 2026 raising governance and operational concerns. KAMP said it responded on 18 May with the requested supporting documentation.

The organisation also disputed KECOBO’s claim that it had failed to submit its royalty distribution schedule, stating that it had provided the schedule to the regulator on 16 June before distributions were made.

KAMP further argued that the allegation of embezzlement did not appear in KECOBO’s 14 May correspondence and said its licence was suspended without its response being fully considered or a requested hearing being granted.

“We believe this is not in line with the principles of fair administrative action.”

The organisation also addressed its position on the government’s eCitizen licensing platform, saying it was the first collective management organisation (CMO) to support the initiative.

KAMP said it signed a service level agreement with eCitizen on 23 June 2026 in the presence of KECOBO representatives, including the regulator's chairperson and acting executive director.

However, KAMP said it had raised concerns over the proposed allocation of music licensing tariffs under the platform. According to the organisation, the proposed framework allocates 20 tariff categories to another CMO while assigning only four to KAMP.

KAMP argued that the proposed allocation could significantly reduce its administrative income because the eCitizen system directs a 30% administrative fee to the CMO responsible for collecting each tariff category.

The organisation said the proposed arrangement could affect its ability to meet its statutory obligations and continue administering rights on behalf of Kenyan and international rights holders.

“We respectfully hold the view that this inequity raises serious concerns regarding the viability of our operations and the fairness of the distribution process. We believe that such an imbalance undermines the principles of equitable representation and collaboration that should govern collective management.”

KAMP said it remained committed to resolving the dispute through dialogue with KECOBO and other stakeholders in accordance with the Copyright Regulations, 2020 and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Good Practice Toolkit for Collective Management Organisations.

The organisation added that it would continue updating its members on developments while maintaining that protecting the interests of rights holders remained its priority.

KECOBO had not publicly responded to KAMP's latest statement at the time of publication.