The eCitizen platform has clarified that it does not pay royalties directly to Kenyan artists, despite its aim to streamline copyright earnings distribution. Instead, collected royalties are transferred to Collective Management Organisations (CMOs). This process was revealed by eCitizen Services Director General Isaac Ochieng before the National Assembly’s Sports and Culture Committee on November 3. Ochieng explained that eCitizen does not retain the funds, which are moved twice weekly to CMOs.
According to Ochieng, the money collected through eCitizen is transferred from the National Treasury into two separate accounts. One account holds the artists’ 70 percent share, while the other covers the CMOs’ 30 percent administrative allocation. The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) is tasked with ensuring that artists receive their allocated portion. CMOs are required to upload distribution records onto eCitizen after payments are made.
The disclosure follows service-level agreements signed in June between KECOBO, eCitizen Services, PAVRISK, and KAMP. These agreements aimed to launch digital royalty collection after a 2025 presidential directive. However, KECOBO recently suspended KAMP for 90 days over alleged misappropriation of Ksh5.5 million, raising concerns about the flow of royalty funds.
Lawmakers, chaired by MP Dan Wanyama, questioned the platform’s compliance with the 70:30 royalty-sharing rule and sought timelines for pending artist payments. They expressed concerns about the current system, where artists are awaiting direct payments. The National Assembly’s Sports and Culture Committee is expected to investigate the matter further.
eCitizen has clarified its role as a conduit for royalty payments, but officials have not provided a definitive date for when artists awaiting payments will receive their dues. The platform’s aim is to ensure that artists receive their fair share of royalties, but the current system has raised concerns about transparency and efficiency.
The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) plays a crucial role in ensuring that artists receive their allocated portion of royalties. The board is responsible for monitoring the distribution of royalties and ensuring that CMOs comply with the 70:30 royalty-sharing rule. KECOBO’s efforts aim to promote transparency and accountability in the collection and distribution of royalties.
The issue of royalty payments to artists has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of the current system. While eCitizen has clarified its role, concerns remain about the flow of royalty funds and the timeline for pending artist payments. The National Assembly’s Sports and Culture Committee is expected to continue investigating the matter to ensure that artists receive their fair share of royalties.
Key points
- eCitizen transfers collected royalties to CMOs, not directly to Kenyan artists.
- The 70:30 royalty-sharing rule requires that 70 percent of royalties go to artists and 30 percent to CMOs for administrative costs.
- KECOBO is responsible for ensuring that artists receive their allocated portion of royalties and that CMOs comply with the royalty-sharing rule.
