The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has denied the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) a provisional six-month operating license, citing deep-rooted leadership disputes that threaten the organization’s stability and credibility.
In a letter dated June 16, 2025, KECOBO Chairman Joshua Kutuny stated, “This decision was primarily due to leadership disputes that have threatened to destabilize the organization.” As a result, MCSK is no longer authorized to operate as a Collective Management Organization (CMO), nor represent musicians or issue royalties.
This decision follows prolonged infighting among MCSK directors, which has splintered the organization into rival factions. In contrast, KECOBO has renewed licenses for two other CMOs:
Performing and Audio-Visual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) — for the third consecutive term
Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP)
Both PAVRISK and KAMP will now take over royalty collection and licensing responsibilities under Unified Copyright Licenses, effectively filling the gap left by MCSK’s suspension.
“Pursuant to Section 46 (2) of the Copyright Act 2001, the board has licensed two CMOs: PAVRISK and KAMP,” said Kutuny.
To prevent duplication and fraud, KECOBO has directed that all invoices issued by either PAVRISK or KAMP must:
Clearly identify the issuing organization,
Be accompanied by a KRA e-TIMS certificate, and
Be processed through a centralized ICT system agreed upon in a consent agreement signed by both CMOs.
The board further warned the public against falling victim to fake licensing documents and unauthorized individuals issuing invoices using altered versions of official CMO names. Such actions are criminal offenses under Section 46 (12) of the Copyright Act, 2001.
KECOBO has also clarified the new jurisdictional scope of each licensed CMO:
KAMP will oversee royalty collection and licensing for Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and digital media platforms.
PAVRISK will handle general licensing for bars, restaurants, hotels, media outlets, and public venues.
The consent agreement, aimed at improving accountability and transparency in the creative sector, was signed by:
Edwardo Waigwa and Joseph Njagih (PAVRISK)
Angela Ndambuki and Maurice Okoth (KAMP)
George Nyakweba, KECOBO’s acting Executive Director, witnessed the signing.
KECOBO has urged the public, musicians, and rights holders to report any unauthorized activities to regulatory authorities or law enforcement immediately.
