The Performing and Audiovisual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) has announced plans for a sharp increase in royalty fees for businesses that play music or videos in public spaces.
The new 2026–2028 tariffs, published in the Kenya Gazette on 12 August 2025, are open for public feedback until September and have sparked debate among business owners, artists, and industry stakeholders.
If approved, the changes would see significant jumps across various categories:
Bars and cafés: KSh 10,000 per year
DJs: KSh 20,000 per year
Matatus: KSh 5,500–12,000 per year depending on size and usage
Top hotels: Up to KSh 600,000 per year
The proposed rates are far higher than those charged under 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 fees.
PAVRISK says the adjustment reflects global trends, citing a 7% rise in worldwide royalty collections in 2024 (CISAC Annual Report, 2024).
Why the Increase?
PAVRISK argues that the move is 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.
READ MORE:Dr. Ezekiel Mutua explains the criteria used to distribute royalties within artist
The society points to the 2024 reforms by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), which licensed three CMOs — PAVRISK, MCSK, and PRISK — in a bid to improve transparency and accountability after years of mismanagement disputes.
Kenya’s music industry contributes an estimated KSh 10 billion to the economy annually, but past KECOBO figures show that in 2023, artists received only KSh 26 million of the estimated KSh 180 million in royalties.
Who Will Be Most Affected?
The proposed hikes would affect a broad range of businesses, from matatu operators to luxury hotels. Smaller operators say the extra costs could squeeze already tight margins, while high-end establishments may need to rethink entertainment budgets. DJs and smaller bars and cafés also face higher annual fees.
Artists, however, could benefit — if the increased collections actually reach them. Many are sceptical, with critics on X questioning whether the changes will improve transparency or simply increase bureaucracy.
Public Reaction
Social media responses have been mixed. Some support the push to better reward creators, while others fear the move could hurt small businesses. Comments range from humour — predicting a surge in classical music in cafés to dodge fees — to cynicism, with users doubting the funds will ever reach artists.
A Nairobi matatu operator told Kenyans.co.ke the increase could “push some of us out of business” given the current high fuel prices. Questions have also been raised over whether fees apply when playing international artists’ work.
How to Give Feedback
PAVRISK is inviting public submissions until September 2025. Feedback can be sent via email to [email protected], or delivered to their Nairobi office, P.O. Box 1124-00502, Karen.
Stakeholders can also contact KECOBO at [email protected], or reach out via PAVRISK’s X account (@PAVRISK_Kenya). Official updates will be posted on pavrisk.or.ke and copyright.go.ke.
Lessons from Abroad
Similar changes have sparked controversy elsewhere. In Nigeria, a 15% royalty fee increase in 2023 by the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) led to protests and a temporary court injunction.
Experts suggest Kenyan stakeholders could push for tiered rates or rural exemptions to balance artist compensation with business viability.
What Happens Next?
The outcome of the public consultation will determine whether the proposed tariffs take effect from 2026.
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