KECOBO Upholds KAMP Licence Suspension, Orders Leadership Changes and DCI Probe
By Shadrack Mutai – Nairobi, Kenya
The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has upheld the 90-day suspension of the operating licence of the Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP) following a review of the organisation’s responses to regulatory concerns.
In a public notice dated August 24, 2026, KECOBO said its Board of Directors, at a special meeting, reviewed issues raised against KAMP and found that the organisation had not satisfactorily addressed or complied with the concerns.
The licence suspension, initially imposed for 90 days effective July 1, 2026, followed a regulatory review covering KAMP’s governance, financial management, licensing practices, royalty administration, regulatory compliance and overall performance as a licensed Collective Management Organization.
The decision follows a ruling by the Copyright Tribunal on August 17, 2026, after KAMP appealed the suspension. The Tribunal determined that KECOBO had the mandate to supervise, inspect and inquire into the allegations against KAMP and directed the Board to conclude its regulatory action.
Leadership changes ordered
As part of the administrative measures, KECOBO has directed KAMP chairperson and directors whose continued tenure is contrary to Section 46B of the Copyright Act, 2001, to vacate office immediately.
KAMP has also been directed to conduct elections and appoint a properly constituted Board of Directors within 30 days.
The organisation must subsequently provide KECOBO with documentary evidence of the reconstituted board, including minutes, election results and relevant corporate records, within 24 hours of the elections. DCI probe into alleged misappropriation
KECOBO has further directed that a matter concerning suspected misappropriation and diversion of KSh5,514,559.16 meant for creatives be formally referred to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for independent investigation and appropriate action in accordance with the law.
The KAMP Board has also been directed to immediately suspend the current Chief Executive Officer and other officers involved pending the outcome of the investigations.
PAVRISK to collect royalties during suspension
To safeguard the interests of rights holders during the suspension period, the Performing and Audio-Visual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) will collect royalties through e-Citizen on behalf of rights holders ordinarily represented by KAMP within sectors allocated to the organisation under the applicable licensing framework.
KECOBO says all monies collected will be deposited into a separate designated bank account and held in trust. The royalties will not be distributed, transferred or utilised unless KECOBO issues further written directions on their management and distribution.
The administrative action was signed by KECOBO Chairman Hon. Joshua Kutuny and dated August 24, 2026.
