KAMP Copyright and Related Rights Limited has elected seven directors to its new board, with founder Japheth Kasanga making a return to the organisation’s leadership during elections held at Daystar University on Wednesday, October 28.
Kasanga, KAMP’s founding member, was among those elected during the Annual General Meeting, which saw members vote through physical ballots after opting for an in-person election.
The other elected directors are Geoffrey Kwatemba (895 votes), Monicah Kibayu(824), Antony Kyalo (649), Felix Ngutu (574), Johannes Mbaka (526) and gospel minister Victor Mbuvi (412), known for his hit song Kwata Kawaya.
The new board has only one woman, Kibayu, compared with four women who served on the outgoing board.
KAMP Chief Executive Officer Maurice Okoth said the organisation had prepared for both electronic and physical voting but proceeded with paper ballots following members’ preference.
“We had prepared for both scenarios and, despite the process taking longer, I am happy that members were able to exercise their democratic rights and choose the seven,” Okoth said.
“We are the only CMO that has conducted a physical meeting in the last three years.”
Kasanga’s return comes as KAMP navigates licensing challenges and calls for improved royalty administration. He previously played a role in addressing licensing issues involving the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), before leaving the board following internal disagreements.
“I know the right buttons to press. I believe that our members will soon reap the benefits and, with the rest of the board, we will work diligently to ensure that happens,” Kasanga told Pulse.
The incoming directors take over from a board led by outgoing chair Angela Ndambuki, who said her team had strengthened the organisation’s institutional capacity, modernised rights management systems, expanded membership and secured more than 20 reciprocal partnerships.
The new board is expected to address licensing hurdles, improve transparency in royalty collection and distribution, and respond to members’ concerns over payments for the use of their music.