The Kenya Copyright Board has suspended the Kenya Association of Music Producers licence for 90 days effective July 1, leading to delays in royalty payments for thousands of artists despite continued collection.
The Kenya Copyright Board confirmed on July 14 that it suspended the Kenya Association of Music Producers licence effective July 1 for 90 days. The Performing and Audio-Visual Rights Society of Kenya will handle royalty collection on an interim basis.
KECOBO directed that all royalties collected during the suspension be placed in a separate bank account. These funds cannot be distributed, transferred or used without further written directions from the board.
Musicians and producers whose income depends on neighbouring rights royalties will likely experience delays in receiving payments. KECOBO stated that the measure ensures collection continues uninterrupted while regulatory issues are addressed and that proper records will be maintained for future reconciliation.