The Kenyan government has raised music royalty tariffs for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections. Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya signed the notice updating the Consolidated Music and Audiovisual Works Tariff. Presidential candidates will now pay Ksh500,000, up from Ksh400,000 previously.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports has updated the tariffs to boost musicians' earnings ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to the notice, political parties will pay a flat Ksh600,000 per year for music use in launches, campaigns and rallies. Presidential candidates face Ksh500,000, governors Ksh200,000, senators Ksh150,000, MPs and women representatives Ksh100,000, and MCAs Ksh15,000. The tariffs run from January 2026 to December 2028.
Previously, presidential candidates paid Ksh400,000, governors Ksh150,000 and senators Ksh100,000. The increases are expected to significantly raise revenue for local artists.
Musicians have welcomed the changes amid economic challenges and fan pressure over alleged political affiliations. Politicians have previously faced legal threats for using music without artists' permission.
