KAMP Confirms Operating License, Endorses eCitizen Integration in Rights Licensing Shift

December 18, 2025 7

The Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP) has confirmed its operating license from the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) while securing member endorsement to integrate royalty licensing and compliance processes with the government’s eCitizen platform.

The resolutions were announced during KAMP’s Annual General Meeting held in Nairobi on December 17, a move that signals a renewed push toward regulatory clarity, improved compliance, and strengthened royalty collection within Kenya’s creative economy.

What the KECOBO License Means for the Industry

KAMP’s confirmation as a licensed collective management organization provides much-needed certainty in a sector that has long grappled with disputes over legitimacy and enforcement. For producers, performers, broadcasters, and venue operators, the announcement reinforces KAMP’s legal mandate to license, collect, and distribute royalties in line with the Copyright Act.

This clarity is expected to stabilize engagements between rights holders and music users, particularly broadcasters and commercial establishments that rely on predictable licensing frameworks.

Performers’ Rights Back on the Agenda

The AGM also acknowledged ongoing engagement with KECOBO regarding performers’ rights, an issue that has remained a point of contention within Kenya’s music ecosystem. KAMP reaffirmed that performers are a critical part of the music value chain and emphasized its commitment to an inclusive rights framework that ensures fair and lawful remuneration.

For artists and performers, this signals continued dialogue around representation and protection within collective rights management structures, even as reforms unfold.

Understanding the eCitizen Integration

At the heart of the announcement is the planned integration of royalty licensing and compliance processes with eCitizen. KAMP clarified that this move is administrative in nature and designed to strengthen accountability, expand the licensing base, and improve reporting and tracking.

Crucially, KAMP emphasized that the core functions of licensing authority, royalty collection, and distribution remain with the Association. The eCitizen platform is intended to complement existing systems rather than replace collective management organizations.

For broadcasters and music users, this integration is expected to simplify compliance, while for rights holders, it could translate into improved collections through reduced leakage and broader enforcement.

Why This Matters Now

Kenya’s creative economy has increasingly leaned toward digitization, formalization, and policy alignment with national development goals. KAMP’s direction reflects this shift, positioning music rights management within broader government efforts to enhance transparency and revenue accountability across sectors.

The Association also reiterated its commitment to timely royalty distributions and transparent governance, addressing long-standing concerns from members and stakeholders.

What Comes Next

While the AGM resolutions mark a significant policy and administrative step, their impact will ultimately be judged by implementation. For artists, producers, and performers, the key measure will be whether these reforms lead to improved collections and fairer, more consistent payouts. For broadcasters and commercial users, clarity and efficiency in licensing will be critical.

For now, KAMP’s announcement represents a recalibration of how music rights are administered in Kenya — one that seeks to balance government-led digitization with the continued role of collective management organizations in protecting creative livelihoods.