The Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP) has announced the distribution of Sh17,126,454 in royalties to its members for the first quarter of 2024.
This decision was made following approval by delegates at a special general meeting held in Nairobi.
During the meeting, KAMP Chairperson Angela Ndambuki explained the breakdown of the distribution.
She stated that a total of Sh17,128,000 will be distributed, with Sh9.075 million allocated for general distribution and Sh8.05 million allocated for scientific distribution.
Ndambuki highlighted that these distributions represent a significant percentage of KAMP's income for the period.
"The distribution we are declaring is from collections in Quarter 1 of Sh27,809,675.77/-, which is 21.12% of our share from Sh131,674,601.20/- collected by KAMP-PRISK-MCSK from January to March 2024," she explained.
Furthermore, Ndambuki stressed KAMP's operational efficiency, citing that despite receiving the lowest revenue share at 21.12%, KAMP remains the most efficiently run collective management organization (CMO) in Kenya.
She indicated that KAMP is lobbying for memorandum and articles of association to ensure compliance with the law and accommodate potential changes in the CMO structure.
As part of these preparations, the delegates adopted a new name for the CMO in anticipation of a unified entity that includes film rights in the audiovisual sector, reprographic rights for book publishers, and other applicable rights.
"It is our firm belief that KAMP would be best suited to be the one CMO mainly because of our operational efficiency, transparency, accountability, and good governance," Ndambuki said.
Ndambuki acknowledged that this could potentially be KAMP's final general meeting as a separate entity, given the ongoing discussions about merging various CMOs to reduce costs and enhance royalty distributions to members.
Meanwhile, KAMP has applied for an extension of its collection license, which is set to expire in May 2024.
The next major distribution on KAMP's calendar is scheduled for October 2024, focusing on broadcast royalties that will be distributed entirely through scientific methods.
In August 2023, KAMP secured a full-year operational license from the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), allowing the association to collect and distribute royalties on behalf of music producers for the coming year. This extension builds upon KAMP's previous license, which expired in April 2023.
The issuance of the operational license followed a comprehensive forensic audit of royalty distribution, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements set by the board.
KAMP's CEO, Maurice Okoth, expressed optimism about the license extension, emphasizing its importance for the livelihoods of creatives dependent on their talent.
"With this operational license, we can continue our operations smoothly and with minimal disruptions," Okoth remarked. "This sets a positive trajectory for the music industry, providing stability and support for music producers across Kenya."
KECOBO's Chief Executive Director, Edward Sigei, commended KAMP for their commitment to transparency and professionalism.
"KAMP has demonstrated its dedication to upholding industry standards," Sigei stated. "We encourage them to maintain this level of integrity as they carry out their important role in the music sector."