KAMP Dissociates Self from the Inaccurate Information KECOBO Released to Press

Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP) has clarified  on various issues raised by the chairman Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) in press conference.

KAMP had earlier on furnished the regulator with correct data supporting their efficiency but that was not issued to media.

KAMP has been very transparent and accountable and remains the only CMO that has provided answers to the forensic audit and made amends to ensure it is are streamlined.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, KAMP CEO Maurice Okoth said there has been progress in terms of the distributable percentage and especially after the coming to force of new tariffs in January 2024 despite KECOBO offering users lower tariffs than those provided by CMOs leading to very low collections.

“Following the coming to force of the new tariffs we have increased KAMPs share of collections in the month of January to over Kes.11.2 million. Out of a collection of Kes.11,246,840 KAMP has in its distribution account Kes.6,906,690 representing 61.39% which is higher than our average distribution last year. In 2023 KAMP collected Kes.52.7 million with Kes. 7,958,176/- reserved for distribution to our members against the actual collections. With the inclusion of receivable royalties in accordance with our accounting principles then the performance of Kamp stood at 41% reserved for distribution for 2023 whilst direct licensing costs together with administrative costs combining for the remaining 59% . This data was submitted to Kecobo vide our report dated 5/02/2024 before inclusion of the receivable royalties. It is thus our view that what KECOBO was highlighting on KAMP’s position on the actuals of Kes.57.1M is not the correct position and did not reflect receivables that were invoiced but monies had not been received by the close of accounting period,” Okoth said.

KAMP’s chairperson Angela Ndambuki said that the 2023 performance is by no means admirable but it is a significant improvement of KAMP’s performance over the years.

“The 2024 distributable amounts standing at 61% are to be increased in the coming months with support from KECOBO. KAMP remains at the forefront in safeguarding its members hard earned incomes and is currently putting up a monitoring and distribution systems as we seek to increase efficiency and effectiveness in our operations. It is KAMP’s believe that we can increase our collections and distribution with the help enforcement by the regulator as compliance remains very low,” Ndambuki stated.

She promised to give a detailed statement in the coming days on KAMP’s performance and address their concerns with KECOBO as well.