Kenyan CMOs sign MoU

The Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP), the Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK) and the Music Publishers Association of Kenya (MPAKE) signed the deal with the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC) and the Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK).

The MoU brings to life the dream of joint licensing where music users such as bars and hotels would be issued a single invoice by the three CMOs, reducing the cases of harassment of business owners by agents tasked with royalty collection.

Payment collection of royalties from the entertainment establishments has also been made easier. In a press statement, the CMOs' heads said an implementation committee would be formed with representatives from all parties to ensure a smooth transition and effective collection and distribution of royalties for musicians.

The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) held negotiations last year between the CMOs, where a joint decision was reached on a joint tariff. The CMOs agreed to pay between 10 and 20% of the single business permit and liquor licence. This was expected to streamline royalty collection.

The new tariff ranges from $95 for small clubs of up to 50 square meters to $350 for large clubs of more than 500 square meters. Top-rated tourist hotels with more than 100 beds will also pay $350. Restaurants that neither sell alcohol nor offer accommodation will pay between $2 and $30 based on size, seating capacity and a rating. Late payment will attract a penalty of 5% compounded with every month of default. The annual licence will run from January to December.