KECOBO's 90-day suspension of KAMP's operating licence, effective since July 1, has left thousands of Kenyan musicians facing royalty payment delays, with PAVRISK now collecting funds on an interim basis as KAMP denies the allegations against it.
Thousands of Kenyan musicians face delayed royalty payments after the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) suspended the Kenya Association of Music Producers' licence (KAMP) for 90 days.
The suspension took effect on July 1, 2026, with the Performing and Audio-Visual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) taking over royalty collection on an interim basis. KECOBO said the suspension was intended to ensure royalty collection continues uninterrupted while regulatory issues affecting KAMP are addressed.
"PAVRISK shall continue collecting royalties in respect of the rights administered by KAMP during the suspension period," KECOBO said in the notice.
However, although royalty collection will continue, musicians and producers are likely to face delays in receiving their royalty payments.
Royalties Frozen in Separate Account
KECOBO directed that all royalties collected during the suspension be deposited into a separate designated bank account and not be distributed until further notice.
"The royalties collected shall be deposited into a separate bank account and shall not be distributed, transferred or utilised without further written directions from the Kenya Copyright Board," the Board directed.
The directive effectively halts royalty payouts, meaning musicians who depend on these earnings could face weeks or even months without payments despite their music continuing to generate income.
Royalty payments form a critical source of income for many Kenyan artists whose music is played on radio and television stations, performed in entertainment venues, or used by bars, restaurants and event organisers. Although these businesses will continue to pay licence fees, the money will remain in the designated account until KECOBO approves its release.
KAMP Denies Allegations, Cites Lack of Fair Hearing
The suspension followed KECOBO's allegations that KAMP mismanaged royalty funds, including an alleged Ksh 5.5 million misappropriation, and breached governance obligations under a 2025 consent agreement with PAVRISK. KAMP, however, has categorically denied the embezzlement allegations. In a statement, KAMP chairperson Angela Ndambuki said the organisation first learned of the accusation through KECOBO's public suspension notice rather than through any prior correspondence or formal inquiry, and argued that KECOBO proceeded with the suspension without a fair hearing despite an express request for one.
Impact on Producers and Performers
The suspension is expected to have a huge impact on producers and performers because KAMP has previously managed neighbouring rights royalties on their behalf.
Despite the disruption, KECOBO clarified that the suspension does not mean artists have lost their royalties, insisting that the funds will continue to be collected and safeguarded pending further directions. The Board also instructed PAVRISK to maintain proper records of all collections made during the suspension period to facilitate future reconciliation and eventual distribution once the matter is resolved.
"PAVRISK shall keep proper records and accounts of all royalties collected during the suspension period," KECOBO stated.