The Inspector-General of Police, Hillary Mutyambai, has granted the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP), and the Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK) the authority to use police during copyright enforcement across the country.
According to MCSK CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, Police Commandants across the country have been directed through the office of the Deputy Inspector General of Police to give support to the licensing officers across the country during the copyright enforcement exercise.
“It will be recalled that since 2019, major users of music in businesses and public places such as Public Service Vehicles (PSV), Tourist Service Vehicles (TSV), Commercial Vehicles, hotels, bars, restaurants, salons, etc. have not been complying with the provisions of the Copyright Act,” Mutua stated.
He added that without the support of the Kenya Police Service, the compliance levels have been below 10% in most instances leading to plummeting in the collection and distribution of royalties to our members.
According to section 40 (5) of the Kenyan Constitution of 2010, the government is required to support and protect its citizens’ intellectual property (copyright) rights. The Kenya Police Service, which ensures and enforces compliance with the Copyright Act, provides government support and protection.
“It’s therefore gratifying to see that our request to the Inspector General of the National Police Service, last week has been granted and communication dispatched to all police commandants across the country to support and work with our licensing officers in enforcing compliance with the Copyright Act,” he added.
Mutua appealed to all clients in the transport, entertainment, hospitality, beauty and service industries who have been contacted by the licensing officers to corporate with them and get the necessary licenses to authorize the legal use/exploitation of copyrighted works in MCSK, KAMP, and PRISK national and international controlled catalog/repertoire in compliance with the Copyright Act.
The music industry is one of the most profitable industries, with the potential to generate jobs and wealth for our artists. However, this can only be accomplished with proper enforcement of compliance with the Copyright Act to ensure optimal collection and distribution of royalties, as well as support and collaboration with the Kenya Police Service.
