The Kenyan government, through the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), has warned the public against making royalty payments to the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), stating that the organization no longer has the authority to collect such funds.
KECOBO explained that this directive follows a ruling by the High Court in Nairobi on March 3, which denied MCSK’s request to continue collecting royalties on behalf of musicians. The court, presided over by Lady Justice Josephine Mong’are, dismissed MCSK’s petition, citing a lack of jurisdiction to handle the matter.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 5, KECOBO firmly instructed MCSK to stop representing itself as a Collective Management Organization (CMO). “Following the court ruling, the Kenya Copyright Board wishes to notify the general public and all music users that MCSK is not authorized to collect royalties as a Collective Management Organization (CMO),” the board stated.
Furthermore, KECOBO made it clear that MCSK must immediately cease any efforts to present itself to musicians, businesses, and the general public as a legally recognized CMO. The board also mentioned that it is currently handling other legal matters regarding the licensing of CMOs and assured the public that further updates will be provided once the cases are resolved.
In addition to MCSK, KECOBO also warned Kenyans against making payments to the Performing and Audio Visual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK). The board noted that PAVRISK’s license was revoked in 2024, meaning it, too, lacks the legal authority to collect royalties.
Although KECOBO revoked PAVRISK’s license last year, the organization challenged the decision in court, and the case is still awaiting a final ruling.
The copyright board issued a strong warning to any individual or entity attempting to collect royalties without its approval, stating that such actions are illegal and punishable under the law. It emphasized that anyone found guilty of unauthorized collection of royalties could face a hefty fine or even a jail term, as outlined in Section 46 (12) of the Copyright Act.
“Take note that under Section 46 (12) of the Copyright Act, any person who falsely claims authority to collect royalties from music users without KECOBO’s approval is committing an offense and may face prosecution, leading to a fine or imprisonment upon conviction,” the statement read.
KECOBO concluded by urging Kenyans to remain patient as the government works on reforms to streamline the sector and ensure that artists receive their rightful earnings through proper legal channels.
Join Gen z and millennials TaskForce official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time the ongoing situation https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
