In Kenya’s creative industry, tariffs play a vital role in ensuring fairness between businesses that use music and audiovisual works, and the creators who make them. They are the foundation of a transparent and equitable system that keeps the creative economy thriving, ensuring everyone benefits from the use of creative content.
But what exactly are tariffs, and why should they matter to both businesses and creators?
1. What Are Tariffs?
Tariffs are the official rates or fees that businesses pay to legally use copyrighted works such as music, performances, and audiovisual content. These rates are determined through consultation, research, and public participation, ensuring that they are fair, transparent, and proportionate to the size and nature of a business.
For example, a large hotel playing music across multiple venues will pay a different rate from a small café using a single TV or sound system. This structure ensures that every user contributes fairly to the creative ecosystem while keeping costs reasonable.
2. Fairness and Transparency
Tariffs are not arbitrary; they are guided by the Copyright Act, 2001, and are developed collaboratively between PAVRISK, other Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), and the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO).Every few years, these tariffs are reviewed to reflect market realities, business growth, and evolving creative trends. This review process includes public participation, where businesses, stakeholders, and the general public can give their feedback before final rates are approved.
This ensures:
- Transparency – everyone understands how rates are set.
- Fairness – each business pays according to its usage capacity.
- Accountability – all collections are regulated and audited under KECOBO oversight.
Through this system, businesses get the legal right to use music and audiovisual works, while artists and performers receive rightful compensation for their creativity.
3. Why Tariffs Benefit Everyone
For businesses, tariffs bring legal protection, peace of mind, and stronger relationships with creators. A business that complies with the law avoids penalties and demonstrates respect for Kenya’s creative sector.
For creators, tariffs translate into real income — royalties that sustain their livelihoods, fund new productions, and support the next generation of Kenyan talent.
Tariffs, therefore, are not just about payment; they’re about partnership, respect, and sustainability
At PAVRISK, we are committed to developing tariffs that reflect industry realities while maintaining fairness and efficiency. Our goal is to create a licensing environment where both creators and users thrive under a transparent and regulated system.
To ensure inclusivity, PAVRISK, in collaboration with KAMP, actively invited the public to review and comment on the Draft Consolidated Music and Audiovisual Tariffs for 2025–2028. This extensive public participation process allowed stakeholders—from broadcasters and event organizers to hospitality players—to provide essential feedback.
The proposed tariffs are currently undergoing the necessary legislative review process, awaiting final approval. Once approved, they will be officially gazetted, providing clear, legally mandated rates that businesses can use to ensure full compliance.
We ensure that we create a licensing system built for long-term success. This involves more than just setting rates; it requires investing in robust, digital distribution technology and establishing clear governance to uphold accountability. By streamlining compliance, enforcing fair use, and guaranteeing transparent distribution, PAVRISK is dedicated to sustaining a vibrant creative economy where every licensed user contributes effectively and every creator receives their rightful earnings.
Call to Action
Read the Draft Tariffs here:
https://pavrisk.or.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PUBLIC-NOTICE-DRAFT-CONSOLIDATED-MUSIC-AND-AUDIO-VISUAL-TARIFFS-2025-2028.pdf
Let’s build a fair, transparent, and thriving creative economy, TOGETHER.
PAVRISK — Revitalizing Royalty Management.