The Kenya Copyright Board has finally reacted to the glaring irregularities that artists have been complaining about with regards to the Music Copyright Society Of Kenya (MCSK).
In a letter dated December 10, Kecobo revoked the license of the CMO to collect royalties on behalf of its over 15,000 members.
“THIS IS TO INFORM YOU THAT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF KENYA COPYRIGHT BOARD AT ITS MEETING HELD ON 10TH DECEMBER 2020 HAS DECIDED TO REVOKE YOUR LICENSE FOR 2020 WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT,” EDWARD SIGEI THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WROTE.
The letter added,
“THIS DECISION IS DUE TO YOUR FAILURE TO ADHERE TO PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT (SECTION 46(9) (D) IN FULFILMENT OF LICENSING CONDITIONS SET OUT BY THE KENYA COPYRIGHT BOARD ON 24TH JANUARY 2020 (COPY ATTACHED) TO WIT:-
A. FAILURE TO SUBMIT A VERIFIED LIST OF BONAFIDE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY DESPITE REPEATED REMINDERS BY THIS OFFICE; AND B. FAILURE TO SHARE DATABASES FOR INCLUSION IN THE NATIONAL RIGHTS REGISTRY (NRR).”
The letter also pointed out that the leaders of the CMO will not have access to the accounts.
“MCSK SHALL NOT BE GIVEN ACCESS TO FUNDS HELD IN THE KPM ACCOUNT FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR OR UNTIL THIS DECISION IS REVIEWED. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT THE BOARD WILL NOT BE CONSIDERING REVIEWING YOUR ORGANIZATION’S OPERATING LICENSES UNLESS AND UNTIL COURT CASES SPONSORED BY THE SOCIETY ARE WITHDRAWN UNCONDITIONALLY.”
Here are the letters revoking their license.
