Kenya: KECOBO grants one-year licences to two CMOs

Following a review process conducted after a public call for applications on 4 September 2025, KECOBO’s board of directors approved KAMP Copyright and Related Rights Limited and the Performing and Audio-visual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) as the only successful applicants.

KECOBO, a state corporation under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, received six applications for consideration. The entities that applied were: Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), Film Makers Rights Achievers of Kenya (FRAK) Ltd, KAMP Copyright and Related Rights Ltd (for both registration and renewal), Performing and Audiovisual Rights Society of Kenya Ltd (PAVRISK), and Collective Management Services Ltd (CMS).

In a statement released after a special board meeting held on 14 October, KECOBO confirmed that the evaluation process included reviewing written submissions and oral representations on the suitability of each applicant.

The two licensed CMOs will operate under several conditions set by the board. These include providing an updated and verifiable list of members and their works, using a government-approved ICT system for collections, licensing, monitoring, and royalty distribution, and establishing a trust account and pay bill system with joint signatories to ensure 70% of royalties are directly allocated to artists.

Responding to the announcement, PAVRISK said it was “thrilled” to have secured its full annual CMO licence from KECOBO. “This is more than a licence; it’s a mandate to achieve our motto: Revitalising Royalty Management,” the organisation said in a statement. It added that music and audio-visual licence fees are now payable exclusively to PAVRISK, and that compliance by users is essential to avoid legal exposure.

PAVRISK also stated that it had met all regulatory requirements, including implementing systems to ensure that at least 70% of net royalties are paid directly to its members.

Responding to the announcement, PAVRISK said it was “thrilled” to have secured its full annual CMO licence from KECOBO. “This is more than a licence; it’s a mandate to achieve our motto: Revitalising Royalty Management,” the organisation said in a statement. It added that music and audio-visual licence fees are now payable exclusively to PAVRISK, and that compliance by users is essential to avoid legal exposure.

PAVRISK also stated that it had met all regulatory requirements, including implementing systems to ensure that at least 70% of net royalties are paid directly to its members.

KAMP likewise welcomed KECOBO’s decision, describing it as an important milestone for the organisation and the wider creative sector. “KAMP has received official confirmation from KECOBO granting the renewal of our licence to operate as a CMO for a period of one year, effective 5 November 2025,” KAMP said.

The organisation noted that the decision followed a rigorous evaluation process by KECOBO’s board of directors and reaffirmed the trust placed in KAMP’s role in protecting and promoting the rights of all rights holders in Kenya. “This renewal affirms KAMP’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and service excellence in the management and distribution of royalties,” the statement added, while acknowledging that there remain “certain areas of concern” to be addressed with the regulator.

KAMP chairperson Angela Ndambuki expressed appreciation for KECOBO’s continued confidence, describing the licence renewal as a step towards a more collaborative regulatory environment. “This licence renewal marks not only regulatory compliance but also progress in fostering mutual respect and understanding between the regulator and KAMP,” she said. “It reflects a positive shift towards a more balanced and cooperative framework, one that recognises efficiency and effectiveness.”

Further communication regarding the implementation of the new licensing framework will be issued by the board, according to KECOBO chairperson Joshua Kutuny.