By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-01-26 13:16:12
The MCSK recently distributed Ksh20 million (about $125,000) for the period of 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, on 25th January. The CEO, Ezekiel Mutua, expressed that the days of discontent among its members due to low distributions despite heavy airplay in the media, transport, and hospitality industries are long gone. Mutua also stated that in 2024, the MCSK is aiming for greater support from the government, improved engagement with members, and a new era of openness and transparency.
The society is seeking closer collaboration with the Ministry of Interior to ensure safe and efficient collection from users. According to the MCSK, collective management organizations (CMOs) can collect over Ksh2 billion annually, which would lead to better distribution to its members. They are also expecting better collections in the future following the gazettement of new tariffs and the suspension of the blank tape levy, also known as the remuneration for private copying, which was supposed to come into effect in September 2023. The society currently estimates that only about 15% of users are compliant.
Furthermore, the MCSK announced that their members will soon be able to monitor the performance of their works with the deployment of new technology. They are also looking to use a more ‘scientific’ distribution model in the future. In addition, the society is in the process of evaluation by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) as it seeks to rejoin the global body.
During the latest disbursement, the society reported that its highest-grossing member received Ksh757,092, while the lowest paid member will receive an estimated Ksh5,000. Members have also been encouraged to continuously update their works and catalogues with the secretariat, and the current distribution period has been extended by two months to 29th March to allow its members to access their royalties.
The Kenyan royalty space has faced challenges over the years, with many rightsholders expressing frustration with its management. Issues such as license disputes, corruption allegations, and lack of transparency have plagued collective rights management in Kenya.
