The Performing and Audiovisual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) has unveiled a proposal to sharply increase royalty fees for businesses that play music or videos in public spaces, sparking immediate debate among business owners, artists, and industry stakeholders.
The proposed 2026–2028 tariffs, published in the Kenya Gazette on August 12, 2025, are open for public feedback until September. If approved, the changes would represent significant jumps across multiple categories:
-
Bars and cafés: KSh 10,000 annually
-
DJs: KSh 20,000 annually
-
Matatus: KSh 5,500–12,000 annually, depending on size and usage
-
Top hotels: Up to KSh 600,000 annually
These figures are considerably higher than previous Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) schedules, where hotels paid between KSh 8 and KSh 17 per square foot and matatus faced lower flat rates.
Rationale Behind the Increase
PAVRISK says the adjustments align with global trends, pointing to a 7% rise in worldwide royalty collections in 2024 (CISAC Annual Report). The organisation argues the changes are necessary to ensure fairer compensation for Kenyan artists, who have historically received less than 20% of collected licensing fees due to administrative costs and inefficiencies.
The push follows 2024 reforms by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), which licensed three Collective Management Organisations — PAVRISK, MCSK, and PRISK — to improve transparency after years of disputes over mismanagement.
Kenya’s music industry is estimated to generate KSh 10 billion annually, yet KECOBO’s 2023 data shows artists received only KSh 26 million out of an estimated KSh 180 million in royalties.
Who Stands to Gain — and Lose
The proposed hikes would impact a wide spectrum of businesses, from matatu operators to luxury hotels. Smaller operators warn the new fees could threaten their survival, while high-end establishments may be forced to review entertainment budgets. DJs, small bars, and cafés also face steeper annual charges.
Artists could benefit if the increased collections reach them, but many remain sceptical. Critics on X have questioned whether the reforms will improve transparency or merely expand bureaucracy.
Public Response
Reaction has been mixed. Supporters argue that better pay for creators is long overdue, while opponents warn of economic strain on small businesses. Some social media users have joked about cafés switching to classical music to dodge fees, while others doubt artists will see any meaningful gains.
A Nairobi matatu operator told Kenyans.co.ke that the higher charges, combined with soaring fuel prices, could “push some of us out of business.” Others have sought clarification on whether the tariffs also apply to international music.
How to Submit Feedback
Public submissions are open until September 2025. Feedback can be sent via email to info@pavrisk.or.ke, delivered to PAVRISK’s Nairobi office at P.O. Box 1124-00502, Karen, or shared with KECOBO at info@copyright.go.ke. Updates will be posted on pavrisk.or.ke and copyright.go.ke.
Global Context
Similar royalty hikes have sparked disputes in other countries. In Nigeria, a 15% increase in 2023 by the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) led to widespread protests and a temporary court injunction. Industry experts suggest Kenya could consider tiered rates or rural exemptions to balance fair artist compensation with business sustainability.
The outcome of the ongoing public consultation will determine whether the new tariffs take effect in 2026.
