The Copyright Tribunal of Kenya has issued interim orders blocking the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) from revoking the operating licence of the Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP), allowing the collective management organisation to continue its royalty operations while an appeal is heard.
Tribunal Intervention
The ruling, delivered by Tribunal chair Hon. Liz Lenjo, permits KAMP to retain its licence and carry on with its mandate as the substantive dispute is examined.
KAMP is responsible for licensing the public use of sound recordings and audiovisual works, collecting royalties, and distributing payments to performers and producers.
Rights Holders Voice Concerns
Several rights holders who sought to join the proceedings told the Tribunal that suspending KAMP’s licence would jeopardise the livelihoods of performers and producers who depend on royalty income.
In affidavits submitted to the Tribunal, the rights holders stated that KAMP had consistently collected and distributed royalties over the years and maintained engagement with members through annual general meetings and other governance processes. They raised concerns about uncertainty surrounding future royalty collection and distribution, the registration and management of new creative works, and both local and international royalty payments.
The rights holders expressed support for lawful regulation and accountability of collective management organisations but argued that regulatory measures should not unnecessarily disrupt royalty payments owed to creators.
Presidential Engagement
The Tribunal’s decision follows a meeting last week between representatives of Kenya’s recorded music industry and President William Ruto to address challenges affecting the sector.
According to KAMP, the president reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s creative economy and called for the issues involving KAMP and KECOBO to be resolved through constructive engagement, while protecting the interests of rights holders and maintaining confidence in the country’s copyright system.
KAMP Leadership Responds
KAMP chairperson Angela Ndambuki described the ruling as a milestone for the creative sector.
“Today’s ruling is a significant milestone for Kenya’s creative sector. It protects the rights and livelihoods of thousands of performers and producers while affirming that regulatory decisions must be exercised within the law and with due process,” she said.
Ndambuki added that the organisation was encouraged by the president’s commitment to resolving the dispute and strengthening Kenya’s copyright framework.
“KAMP remains committed to transparency, accountability, constructive engagement and the efficient collection and timely distribution of royalties for the benefit of our members and the wider creative sector,” she said.
KAMP stated it would continue its licensing and royalty collection activities while the appeal is pending and confirmed it would comply with the Tribunal’s directions, refraining from commenting on substantive issues before the matter is determined.
