Recording Industry of Kenya faults KAMP license suspension, warns it could divide industry

The Recording Industry of Kenya (RIKE) has criticised the Kenya Copyright Board's (KECOBO) decision to suspend the operating licence of the Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP), warning that the move could destabilise the country's creative industry.

The 90-day suspension took effect on July 1, 2026, after KECOBO accused KAMP of mismanaging more than Sh5.5 million in distributable royalties and failing to comply with the mandatory 70:30 royalty distribution rule.

In a statement on behalf of the board, RIKE chairman Eric Musyoka questioned both the legal basis and procedural fairness of the regulator's decision.

RIKE also opposed KECOBO's directive transferring KAMP's licensing functions to the Performing and Audio-Visual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) during the suspension.

"Neither the Copyright Act nor the Copyright Regulations (2020) appear to confer upon the regulator the authority to reassign any mandates voluntarily granted by right holders to their chosen CMO," Musyoka said.

He argued that the mandates stem from private contractual agreements between rights holders and collective management organisations and should not be reassigned by the regulator.

While acknowledging KECOBO's oversight role, RIKE said the board did not raise any allegations of financial impropriety directly with KAMP before issuing its public statement.

"It is outrightly concerning that the Board did not raise allegations of embezzlement of funds directly with KAMP prior to the July 1 statement," Musyoka said, adding that the regulator's approach demonstrated a lack of objectivity.

RIKE further claimed that prolonged regulatory interference in collective management has reduced performance rights revenues and royalty payments to record producers and self-released artists over the past decade.

Musyoka also argued that the regulator's actions raise constitutional concerns over the protection of intellectual property under Article 40 of the Constitution, warning that repeated disruptions undermine confidence in the collective management system and ultimately harm creators.

The association has urged KECOBO to review its decision and ensure all regulatory actions are firmly grounded in the law.