No CMOs currently legally functioning

Source: Nairobi News

The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has directed Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP), and Audiovisual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK), formerly PRISK, to cease operations with immediate effect.

This follows the expiry of the six-month provisional licence issued to the three collective management organisations (CMOs) on November 8, 2023.

On April 10, KECOBO reviewed the performances of the three CMOs and decided to call for fresh applications for new licenses from parties interested.

KECOBO says it had intended to have the new licenses issued to suitable applicants who met the requirements from May 9.

But that didn't turn out to be the case after two members of the public filed a case on March 28 at the High Court claiming the Board had planned to extend the licenses of the three CMOs instead of calling out for fresh applications as per the law.

The court agreed to their prayers and put an injunction on KECOBO from issuing any fresh licenses until the matter is determined.

A statement read, "The High Court issued orders restraining KECOBO from issuing operating licenses to CMOs pending the hearng and determination of the petition. On April 30, the court extended those orders to May 30. As such, we wish to notify the public that the provisional licenses issued in November 2023 have lapsed.

Consequently, the CMOs have been informed to cease operations until their licenses or new licenses are issued once the High Court issues its decision on May 30, 2024.