NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has upheld the suspension of KAMP Copyright and Related Rights Limited’s operating licence over unresolved governance concerns and alleged misappropriation of Sh5.5 million meant for creatives.
The decision was reached during a special meeting of the KECOBO Board of Directors on August 24, 2026, after the regulator reviewed KAMP’s response to concerns that had previously prompted the suspension of its licence.
KECOBO said KAMP had failed to satisfactorily address the issues raised, leading the board to maintain the suspension until the outstanding matters are resolved.
The regulator has also referred the alleged Sh5.5 million misappropriation to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for an independent investigation and appropriate action under the law.
“KAMP has not complied nor addressed the issues raised to the satisfaction of the Board,” KECOBO said.
KAMP directors ordered to vacate office
As part of the regulatory measures, KECOBO has directed KAMP’s chairperson and directors whose continued tenure contravenes Section 46B of the Copyright Act to vacate office immediately.
The organisation has been ordered to convene elections and establish a properly constituted board of directors within 30 days.
KAMP must then provide KECOBO with documentary evidence of the new board within 24 hours of the elections.
The required documentation includes election results, minutes of the meeting and other relevant corporate records demonstrating that the new board has been properly constituted.
KECOBO has also directed KAMP’s current chief executive officer and other officers allegedly implicated in the matter to step aside pending the conclusion of investigations.
Copyright Tribunal had ordered regulatory action to be concluded
The latest decision follows proceedings before the Copyright Tribunal after KAMP challenged KECOBO’s suspension of its licence.
On August 17, the Tribunal affirmed KECOBO’s mandate to supervise and investigate KAMP but directed the regulator to conclude its regulatory action within seven days.
KECOBO subsequently convened its special board meeting on August 24 to consider KAMP’s responses and determine the way forward.
The regulator said its decision to maintain the suspension was made pursuant to the Tribunal’s directive.
The development places KAMP under continued regulatory scrutiny as investigators pursue allegations concerning the handling of funds intended for creatives.
PAVRISK to collect KAMP royalties during suspension
While KAMP remains suspended, the Performing and Audio-Visual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) will collect royalties on behalf of rights holders ordinarily represented by KAMP.
KECOBO said all royalties collected during the suspension will be held in a separate designated account.
The funds will not be distributed or utilised until further directions are issued.
The arrangement is intended to ensure that royalty collection continues while the regulatory and investigative processes are ongoing.
