Businesses using copyrighted music without a permit now risk a fine of up to Ksh800,000 in penalties if found guilty, the Performing and Audio Visual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) has said.
In a notice dated Wednesday, June 18, the visual rights society warned that using copyrighted music without a licence was punishable by law under the Copyright Act of 2001.
Among businesses cautioned against using copyrighted music without a licence are shops, kinyozi, salons, hotels, bars, restaurants, private clubs, motels, malls and cinema halls.
Others include cybercafés, hospitals, clinics, banks, DJs, Radio and TV stations, roadshows, events, amusement parks, political campaigns, music schools and aircraft.
"Playing music, showing films, or using audiovisual content in your business without a copyright license is an offence under the Copyright Act, 2001 in Kenya," PAVRISK warned.
"Whether you have a salon, hotel, event space, matatu, bar, or even a clinic, you need a copyright licence to use music or audiovisual content legally," the agency added.
In June 2024, PAVRISK was authorised by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) to issue copyright invoices and licences and place enforcement measures against non-compliant businesses.
Businesses seeking to use copyrighted music were ordered to visit the agency's website, license.pavrisk.or.ke, and apply for the Unified Copyright License (UCL).
According to PAVRISK, failure to obtain the aforementioned licence could result in legal action through a small claims court and subsequently attract a fine of not less than Ksh800,000.
The latest directive comes months after KECOBO, jointly with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), launched a major crackdown targeting individuals using copyrighted content without permission.
In a statement issued on January 31, 2025, KECOBO revealed that it had received complaints from several agencies claiming that their contents were being shared without their permission.
KECOBO Executive Director George Nyakweba warned that those found culpable of sharing other people's content without a permit would be liable to an imprisonment of four years or pay Ksh500,000.
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