KAMP Copyright and Related Rights Limited (KAMP) has announced an interim royalty payout of Sh4.9 million to its members with the distribution, covering collections from May and June 2025.
The payout is the first in Kenya’s history to be achieved under an operational efficiency ratio of 70:30—meaning 70 per cent of collected revenues went directly to rights holders while expenses were kept at record-low levels.
According to KAMP, the current disbursement includes general allocations and catalogue-based distribution for sound recordings, while the more detailed scientific distribution (based on airplay data) and audiovisual royalties will be rolled out before the end of the year.
KAMP Chairperson Angela Ndambuki stressed that performers’ royalties had not been included in the current payout because they are awaiting a declaration from PAVRISK, which manages performer funds.
“Today’s payout does not include performers’ royalties since we are awaiting PAVRISK’s declaration of performer funds, which also covers KAMP’s performer share. We have, however, already initiated the necessary invoicing process,” she said, adding that KAMP was challenging KECOBO’s decision to mandate performer licensing through PAVRISK.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, who hailed CMOs for their role in protecting creatives’ income.
“The upcoming Creative Industry Bill will provide clear structures to ensure every creative earns a decent living. We want this sector to contribute to the economy the way it does in developed nations,” said Jacobs, promising government support to eliminate cartels and ensure fairness in the sector.
Despite the milestone, KAMP raised concerns over regulatory bottlenecks, accusing KECOBO of undermining enforcement efforts.
The board revealed that lack of cooperation in securing PSV licensing partnerships with NTSA had denied the industry more than Sh500 million annually in potential revenue.
KAMP Chief Executive Officer Maurice Okoth reassured members that the body remained committed to transparency and accountability in royalty collection and distribution.
“Our mission is to ensure effective royalty collection and equitable distribution. We believe government regulation must align with global best practices, and we look forward to the review of CMO regulations once the Copyright Bill is passed,” Okoth said.
In line with governance reforms, KAMP has appointed Grant Thornton as its independent auditor, reinforcing confidence among rights holders through independent financial oversight.
KAMP is currently seeking a full-year renewal of its license, following a landmark High Court victory in April 2025, which affirmed its legitimacy as a rights management body after KECOBO’s appeal against the Copyright Tribunal ruling was dismissed.